A voter turnout of 65.7 per cent was recorded in the ongoing Karnataka Assembly polls till 5 pm, the Election Commission informed on Wednesday.
Voting is in Karnataka to elect members to the 224-seat assembly has ended. It began at 7 am. The BJP is hoping for another straight term while the Congress is banking on the states' revolving door trend. The JDS, which has its bastion over 61 seats, may play spoiler. The Karnataka election results will be declared on Saturday.
Here are the LIVE updates on Karnataka Elections 2023:
ಬಸವನ ಬಾಗೇವಾಡಿ ಮತಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ಹಿರಿಯ ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ ಶಾಲೆ ಶಂಕರ ನಗರ ಕೂಡಗಿ ಎಲ್ ಟಿ ಯ ಲಂಬಾಣಿ ಜನಾಂಗದ ಮಾದರಿಯ ಮತದಾನ ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿದ ವಯೋವ್ರುದ್ಧೆ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಸ್ಫೂರ್ತಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.@SpokespersonECI @ECISVEEP #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/0rbmYcOia5
- Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) May 10, 2023
Youth Power!!
- Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) May 10, 2023
An appreciation letter was given to first-time #Voters after they cast their valuable Votes in #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023 today. #GoCast your vote now!#KarnatakaElections2023 #GoVote #IVote4Sure pic.twitter.com/cSdVzv8Rvl
#WATCH | "Issues are individuals and one should keep their issues in mind and vote accordingly. I've not come here as a celebrity, I've come here as an Indian and it's my responsibility," says Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep after casting his vote in Bengaluru... pic.twitter.com/CJyYyh6NRp
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | "It's a small village. All round development has taken place. Credit should go to HD Revanna, who represents this constituency," says JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda after casting his vote at his native village Haradanahalli in Hassan district... pic.twitter.com/FOSPR1ldBm
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda and his wife Chennamma cast their vote for #KarnatakaElections2023, at a polling booth in Hassan pic.twitter.com/jCwwydyzB7
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
A complaint and a counter-complaint have been lodged after Congress workers alleged that the supporters of Mangaluru North Janata Dal (Secular) candidate B A Mohiuddin Bava assaulted them last night. Two Congress workers who were injured in the scuffle, Nizam and Hasher, have been admitted to a private hospital. Bava had switched over to JD(S) recently after he was denied a Congress ticket.
88 ವರ್ಷದ ನಾಡೋಜ ದಂಪತಿಗಳಾದ ಪ್ರೊಫೆಸರ್ ಕಮಲಾ ಹಂಪನಾ ಮತ್ತು ಹಂಪನಾ ಅವರು ಇಂದು ಮತಗಟ್ಟೆಗೆ ತೆರಳಿ ಮತ ಚಲಾಯಿಸಿದರು.@SpokespersonECI @ECISVEEP #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/aCuyxrT5u2
- Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka (@ceo_karnataka) May 10, 2023
First-time voters exercising their voting right! It's time you do the same.
- Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) May 10, 2023
Voting is underway at all polling stations in #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023.#KarnatakaElections2023 #IVote4Sure #GoVote pic.twitter.com/XynNSfpWcT
Karnataka recorded voters' turnout of 37.3% till 1 pm. Voting will continue till 6 in the evening.
#WATCH | Sons of veteran Kannada actor Ravichandran - Manoranjan and Vikram cast their votes in #KarnatakaElections. pic.twitter.com/tmjJVPzfOj
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar and his wife and Congress leader Geetha Shivarajkumar cast their votes for #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/pLq8RKCIBM
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#KarnatakaElections | Kannada actor Daali Dhananjaya and his family cast their votes in Kalenahalli Village of Arsikere. pic.twitter.com/dTOywG0Eud
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Kalaburagi | Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...Congress party will win the election with a thumping majority...We will get more than 130-135 seats."#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/1VGhz9dFUz
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Actor Rishab Shetty arrives at a polling booth in Udupi to cast his vote for #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/Y5lRiXoTy6
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Bride and groom along with their family cast their votes for #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 at a polling booth in Mysuru pic.twitter.com/ZaMnNapzty
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
As you step out of your homes today to cast your vote, remember the power your vote has to rewrite the future for our state.
- DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 10, 2023
Remember to vote for progress.
Remember to vote for corruption free future.
Remember to vote for a strong, secure Karnataka- Just like I did! pic.twitter.com/VbIyYKr2Ro
#WATCH | "There is a tremendous response from the voters. I will get more than 60 % of the votes. Congress will form the government on its own. I am not going to retire but I will not contest elections. This is my last election," says Former Karnataka CM and Congress leader... pic.twitter.com/ZVdz5o9gIW
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElection | JD(S) candidate HD Revanna, along with his family, offered prayers at a temple in Holenarasipura in Hassan district. pic.twitter.com/oVLf9Bq3td
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElection | Former cricketer Javagal Srinath cast his vote at a polling station in Mysuru.
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
He says, "...I request people to come, vote & choose a good leader for good democracy. I also voted...We must participate in democracy..." pic.twitter.com/RRDGX9l8W3
#WATCH | Senior Karnataka BJP leader KS Eshwarappa says, "Nationalist Muslims, nationalist Christians and Hinudutvawadis are all voting for BJP. We will get more than 140 seats in Karnataka."#KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/guUEKF88BR
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | "No chances, we will form the government on our own," says Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar when asked about the possibilities of a post-poll alliance with JDS pic.twitter.com/jQGowmgaZT
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Former Karnataka CM and Congress candidate from Varuna constituency, Siddaramaiah casts his vote for #KarnatakaElection pic.twitter.com/SPjUIzCOcF
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Actor Upendra Rao casts his vote for #KarnatakaElections2023, at a polling booth in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/tqSbieqyot
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | BJP MP Tejasvi Surya casts his vote for #KarnatakaElections2023, at a polling booth in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/OSvZQTy3Er
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | "I've been constantly saying that Congress will get 130 plus seats, it may go up to 150 seats also," says Former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah#KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 pic.twitter.com/65LX8TODut
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
A voter turnout of 8.26% was recorded in the first two hours of polling in Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections today, according to Election Commission data. The highest percentage was in the coastal district of Udupi (13.28%) and the lowest in Chamarajanagar district (5.75%) till 9 am. Voting for the 224-member Assembly began at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm. The main electoral fight is between the ruling BJP, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) led by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. (PTI)
#WATCH | Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai says, "Congress track record about corruption - a lot of people are out on bail. There are corruption charges and more than 60 cases have been filed with Lokayukta against former CM and others. What are they saying...?#KarnatakaElections https://t.co/K0jST7TuUT pic.twitter.com/5RyG8IP0Oy
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 | "Very good response from the people. There is an undercurrent. People from all castes, everybody is working and voting for me. Congress & Jagadish Shettar will get elected with a huge margin," says former Karnataka CM and Congress... pic.twitter.com/FZhSHzTJ8k
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Polling officials welcoming PwD voters with a rose at a polling station in Nimbekaipura in the ongoing #KarnatakaAssemblyElections2023
- Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) May 10, 2023
All facilitation like wheelchairs, volunteers, signages are being provided at polling stations.
Dont wait, #GoVote in festival of democracy! pic.twitter.com/4d5tQqs5Z3
Karnataka, where voting began at 7 am, recorded 7.8% turnout till 9 am.
#WATCH | I've voted and done my duty towards democracy. It's a privilege to vote in my constituency. I will win by a record margin. People of Karnataka will vote for positive development and BJP will get a comfortable majority," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai... pic.twitter.com/4rumkWTJ7i
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Karnataka Congress president and party's candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar says "...Today young voters have a great opportunity...They will vote for a change...They know about the price rise & corruption in the state. I am sure they will go for a change and give... pic.twitter.com/Hd4jYlNA0W
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale casts his vote for #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/ziu4H3XETN
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | BJP Karnataka president Nalin Kumar Kateel arrives at a polling booth in Mangaluru to cast his vote for #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/osMt9InD8K
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Karnataka Congress president and party's candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar offers prayers at Sri Kenkeramma Temple in Kanakapura, Ramanagara.
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
His brother and party MP DK Suresh is also with him. pic.twitter.com/mWII5XkgMJ
#WATCH | Union Minister and BJP MP from Dharwad constituency, Pralhad Joshi, arrives at a polling booth in Hubballi to cast his vote for #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
"I'm happy that people are celebrating this festival of democracy in a big way. People are interested to bring... pic.twitter.com/dKzm3o6va8
#WATCH | "It is the responsibility of the elders to sit down with youngsters and advise them why voting is important. That's what my parents did," says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/k5zcpN3UQN
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Kannada actor Ramesh Aravind arrives at a polling booth in Bengaluru to cast his vote. pic.twitter.com/RwgUcneoU9
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | "I always tell them (youth) to come and vote and then you have the power to talk, without voting you do not have any power to talk," says Sudha Murty#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/1E8v0EEpUI
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Karnataka CM and BJP candidate from Shiggaon assembly constituency, Basavaraj Bommai queues up at a polling booth here to cast his vote.#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/kvTX5fQFBq
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 | Kannada actor Ganesh and his wife arrive at a polling booth in RR nagar, Bengaluru to cast their votes. pic.twitter.com/SntYHY7KqL
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#KarnatakaElections | A bride casts her vote at polling booth number 165 in Chikkamagaluru. pic.twitter.com/nwmd6SzVoW
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Karnataka Minister CN Ashwath Narayan casts his vote for #KarnatakaElections2023, at a polling booth in Bengaluru
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
"I request all people to come and cast their votes," he says pic.twitter.com/2tv2IbpTtq
#WATCH | #KarnatakaAssemblyElection2023 | Kannada actress Amulya and her husband cast their votes at a polling booth in RR Nagar, Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/7T8BXynRro
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
Karnataka Minister and BJP leader K Sudhakar casts his vote for #KarnatakaElections2023, at a polling booth in Chikkaballapur pic.twitter.com/6Vg6IA9aNB
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | "I request all people to cast their votes as early as possible. I am 100% sure they will vote in favour of the BJP. More than 75-80% will support BJP. We will win 130-135 seats," says Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa#KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/PckMSr7jLC
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
As the polling for the assembly elections begins, I urge all my sisters and brothers in Karnataka to go out there and vote for change.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) May 10, 2023
It's time to bring in a strong, development oriented and capable government that works tirelessly to make your lives better....
#KarnatakaElections2023 | Karnataka Votes, Stakes High For BJP, Congress
- NDTV (@ndtv) May 10, 2023
Read: https://t.co/r8ZIwFYGXr pic.twitter.com/otbJbN18J5
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa visits and offers prayers at Sri Huccharaya Swami Temple in Shikaripur, along with his family.
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
His son, BY Vijayendra is contesting from the Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/ncasRIzhNe
#WATCH | #KarnatakaElections | Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa visits and offers prayers at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Shikaripura, along with his family.
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
His son, BY Vijayendra is contesting from the Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/wy1LFoBA88
Karnataka will see a triangular contest today for its 224 assembly seats. While the BJP is hoping for another straight term, the Congress is banking on the state's revolving door trend. The JDS, which dominates over 61 seats, may play spoiler.
People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government.
- Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) May 10, 2023
Today, it is time vote in large numbers.
We welcome our first time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future.
Urging the people of Karnataka, particularly young and first time voters to vote in large numbers and enrich the festival of democracy.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2023
According to poll officials, elaborate security arrangements have been made across Karnataka for the smooth conduct of elections and forces have been deployed from neighbouring states as well. As many as 84,119 State Police Officers and 58,500 CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces ) police in 650 companies are on law and order and security duty on poll day across the state. 'Critical Polling Stations' are covered by one or more of the measures like Micro Observers, Webcasting and CCTVs to keep a watch on the polling process as force multipliers.
On voting day, I urge our sisters and brothers of Karnataka to come out in large numbers to vote for good governance, development and prosperity in the state. Your one vote can ensure a pro-people and pro-progress govt that will continue to take the state to newer heights.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 10, 2023
#WATCH | Actor Prakash Raj arrives at polling booth in St. Joseph's School in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru to cast his vote for #KarnatakaAssemblyElection pic.twitter.com/DsYgbc3ko3
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2023
- Karnataka polls are being held in a single phase today
- Votes to be counted on Saturday, May 10
- A total of 5,31,33,054 electors are eligible to cast their votes in 58,545 polling stations
- As many as 2,615 candidates are contesting.
- The voting will take place from 7am to 6pm
Voting has begun for the elections to the 224 seats of the Karnataka assembly. It will conclude at 6 pm.
In the run-up to the election, the ruling BJP - which is facing multiple corruption allegations -- covered all its bases, including tweaking the quota, which it hopes will bring in the Vokkaliga and Scheduled Castes and Tribes votes. The party, which already had the support of Lingayats, also shored up the support of the community, giving them a chunk of the four percent OBC (Other Backward Classes) votes for Muslims that was scrapped.
