Karnataka voted today. In the high-stakes battle, a combative Congress is eyeing a comeback while the BJP is looking to script history to retain its southern bastion. The election to the 224-seat assembly saw a high-octane campaign that, at times, turned controversial with the level of public discourse plummeting. With the stakes being high in the mega battle of ballots, the major political parties in contention -- the BJP, Congress and JD(S) -- have made a strong pitch to boost their electoral prospects. Voting took place from 7 am to 6 pm amid tight security arrangements. The ballots will be counted on Saturday. Stay tuned to Asianet Newsable for the latest updates from the ground.
The voting in the Karnataka Elections 2023 is now over. Though the official count is not in yet, the voter turnout till 5pm was at 65.69 per cent.
Ramanagaram district recorded the highest of 78.22 per cent votes polled followed by Chickaballapur (76.64 per cent) and Tumkur (75.24 per cent)
With the voting over, the focus is now shifting to the Exit Poll predictions. Stay tuned to Asianet News Network for the latest
A woman delivered a baby on the premises of a polling station in Bellary district.
At polling booth number 228, a woman named Manila delivered the baby. Her labour pain started in the polling station itself. She was immediately taken to the adjacent room where she delivered a baby boy. Both the mother and the baby are healthy. Later, the woman was shifted to a primary health centre.
Latest Voting trends from the Election Commission show 52.18% polling till 3:45 pm across Karnataka.
Ramanagaram has the highest voting percentage in the state with 63.36 per cent of votes being polled in the district.
However, the lowest voting percentage was reported from the BBMP South district where only 40.28 per cent of votes have been cast. BBMP (South) includes the seats of BTM Layout, Basavanagudi, Bommanahalli, Govindraj Nagar, Jayanagar and Padmanaba Nagar.
Reports coming in of polling being halted for about an hour in at least nine polling stations in Belagavi.
The halt in voting was reportedly caused due to technical glitches
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman, who cast her vote for Karnataka Assembly polls on Wednesday, expressed confidence about BJP coming back to power in the state with full majority and criticised the Congress over inflation during UPA rule.
Contending that the BJP government is making efforts to control price rise, she hit out at the Congress saying that it doesn't have any right to criticise the Centre on the issue as inflation was constantly high during its tenure.
"You are watching for yourself the situation here, senior citizens, youth, women have come with families and are peacefully standing in queues to cast their votes, and looking at the way in which they interacted with me it is clear to me that BJP will come back victorious with full majority," Sitharaman told media persons in Bengaluru after voting.
To a question on the foremost issues on her mind while voting as an elector, she said: "Good infrastructure, conducive environment for business and startups in Bengaluru and Karnataka in the future days. Also for farmers producing 'Shree Anna' (millets). I have voted for the BJP government here and in Delhi, which we call a double-engine government."
Padma Shri Sukri Bommagowda casts her vote in Honnavar. The singer had blessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visited Honnavar during the Karnataka Election 2023 campaign
Two people have lost their lives due to heart attack after voting this morning.
Jayanna (49) cast his vote in Chikkole village of Belur taluk in Hassan district. He collapsed just as he was emerging from the booth after casting his vote. Paravva Ishwara Sidnala (Panadi) (68) collapsed outside the polling booth in Yarazharvi village of Savadatti taluk of Belgaum district. She died on the spot.
Around 40 per cent voter turnout at 1 pm in Karnataka Assembly Election 2023
Bengaluru has seen just 30 percent voting so far
Former Karnataka chief minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah alleged that the ruling BJP wants to win the assembly election with "money power" as they "do not have any developmental works to showcase" to the people.
He also charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with being silent on price rise, unemployment and corruption in the state during his series of public meetings while campaigning for the elections taking place today.
"Money has been flowing (in the election). Now what else BJP has (done) to go to the voters other than giving them money? What can they say about the state except that they have money? What development have they made," the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, who is contesting from Varuna in Mysuru district, said.
According to the latest Election Commission data, 20.99 per cent of votes have been cast in the Karnataka assembly election.
Udupi continues to be the district with the highest percentage of votes cast at 30.26% followed by the Dakshina Kannada district (28.46%).
The lowest voting percentage is being reported from Chamarajnagar (16.77 per cent)
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar after casting his vote at Kanakapura.
"I am confident that Congress will form the government on its own. I am expecting 141 seats (out of 224). People of Karnataka are suffering, and they want change."
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi cast his vote in Hubli with his family at Vivekananda Nagar Rotary School, Nagashettikoppa.
After voting, he urged voters: "Everybody should vote as soon as possible. Exercise your right. Voting is a very sacred act and all citizens must exercise this right given by the constitution. Elections play a very important role in shaping the future of the country and states, and the citizens and voting are at the centre of it. Let's all carry out such a heavy responsibility with enthusiasm and celebrate this festival of democracy."
There are reports coming about clashes between BJP and Congress workers in Byatarayanapura (Seat number 152) and in Bellary
This bride chose to first cast her vote at Makonahalli village of Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district before joining her marriage rituals.
The Election Commission says, "It's her BIG DAY and she is here at the polling booth! Spotted bride casting her vote today at a polling station in Mudigere AC."
Young voters cast their ballots for the first time in Davangere North Vidhan Sabha Constituency Polling Station No.-144 and 143. Photos: @ZP_Davangere
After nearly three hours since the voting began, the highest percentage of polling has been reported from Udupi at 13.28 per cent.
The lowest turnout among all districts in the state was in Chamrajnagar at 5.75 per cent.
8.02 per cent polling has been recorded in Karnataka till 9:30 am. Let's take a look at some glimpses of people lining up to vote
Meet Ashwin Rajashekha Bhat, who travelled from the United States to cast her vote at Sirsi of Uttara Karnataka
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the people of Karnataka have decided to choose a progressive, transparent and welfare-oriented government. He urged the people to vote in large numbers in the election.
"People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government," Kharge said in a tweet.
Former Karnataka CM Yediyurappa told the media after casting his vote, "I am 100 per cent sure people will vote in favour of the BJP. More than 75-80 per cent will support us. We will win 130-135 seats."
