Karnataka Polling Updates: Voting in Assembly elections concludes; 65.69% votes cast till 5 pm

The BJP looks to script history to retain its southern citadel while a combative Congress eyes a comeback as Karnataka goes to polls on Wednesday at the end of a high octane campaign that was marked by a plummeting level of public discourse and grew increasingly shrill over the Bajrang Dal issue. The voting concluded at 6 pm with 65.69 per cent voter turnout. Check updates on the Karnataka elections, right here.

Central paramilitary force personnel wielded lathi at voters who expressed displeasure over delay in voting and failure to provide basic facilities to the voters, at Madapura in Somwarpet taluk

Central paramilitary force personnel wielded lathi at voters who expressed displeasure over delay in voting and failure to provide basic facilities to the voters, at Madapura in Somwarpet taluk.

A few persons who suffered injuries are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

The voters alleged that EVM was functioning slowly and they had been waiting in a long queue for long hours and were accused of not providing a basic facility of drinking water. The police called the CRPF personnel who in turn wielded lathi at them, said an eye witness.

Later, the police intervened and held talks with the voters. The voters in turn urged to send the CRPF personnel out of the polling booth. After the CRPF personnel left the venue, the polling process commenced.

Reacting to the incident, Tahsildar Kiran G Gauraiah said “there was no technical glitch in the EVM. As many as 150 people had arrived to exercise their franchise. The voting machine was taking as much time as it should have taken exercise vote. However, a few who were standing in the queue spread the rumour that there was a fault in the machine and it was working at a slow speed. This created confusion. As of now, the situation is under control and the voting process has commenced.

65.69% votes cast till 5 pm

Karnataka elections: KGF Actor casts his vote at a polling booth in Padmanabhanagar

Belagavi district records 66.37% polling upto 5 pm

BJP, Congress workers clash over saffron shawl in Devlatti village

Man was trampled to death while returning from polling booth at Thokere village

A man was trampled to death while returning from polling booth at Thokere village coming under Mala Mahadeshwara Hill limits.
Puttaswamy (50) is the deceased. He was working as a labourer at Martalli. He had come to Thokere for voting. He was walking home when the wild jumbo attacked him. He died of serious injuries.

Hassan JD(s) candidate H P Swaroop and his wife cast their vote in Hassan

The voter's turnout of Mandya district is 58.39 pc up to 3 pm. It is 58.87 pc in Hassan district

A woman delivered a male child at a polling booth in Korlagundi village

A woman delivered a male child at a polling booth in Korlagundi village, in Kurugodu taluk of Ballari district on Wednesday. The woman has been identified as Mannila, a resident of the village. At around 10:00 am while standing in the queue for voting she started experiencing pain. Fellow voters and polling officials facilitated her to deliver the child at the polling booth. Later she and the child were shifted to the primary health centre. Both the mother and child are said to be healthy.

Congress and JD(S) workers accuse each other of distributing money to lure voters of Mangalore City

Congress and JD(S) workers have made allegations against each other accusing of distributing money to lure voters of Mangalore City North constituency on Tuesday late night.

Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Kumar R Jain said that Congress and JD(S) workers at Gurpura and Kunjathbail levelled allegations on each over distribution of money. The workers from both the political parties had even allegedly pushed each other. A team of police personnel rushed to the spot and checked the vehicles. No cash was found. Two separate cases have been registered at Kavoor and Bajpe police station.

Jannatibi Naikwadi, a 108-year-old voter cast her vote at polling station

Jannatibi Naikwadi, a 108-year-old voter cast her vote at polling station No 79 at Daddi village in Hukkeri taluk in Belagavi district coming under Yamakanamaradi assembly constituency on Wednesday

Belagavi district recorded 53.79% polling upto 3 pm

Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja cast his vote in Bengaluru today

52.18% votes cast till 3 pm

52.18 per cent voter turnout recorded till 3 pm.

BJP and congress party workers clash in BTM Layout assembly constituency

Fight broke out between BJP and congress party workers in Lakkasandra of BTM Layout assembly constituency on Wednesday afternoon. The fight broke out between the two groups who were working as booth agents over the issue of giving slips to the voters. People from both the parties assaulted each other. A BJP party worker alleged assault by Congress workers. The police deployed at the spot controlled the situation. Adugodi police have taken up the case and are investigating the matter.

In another incident in Padmanabh Nagar, two groups fought over sudden provocation near the polling booth. Though both the groups belong to different parties no political party has been named in the complaint. P Krishnakant, deputy commissioner of police (South), said it was just a verbal fight between two groups and the situation is now peaceful.

23 arrested after ruckus in Masabinala village

"In Masabinala village of basavanabagevadi constituency of vijayapura district, villagers stopped sector officer's vehicle which was carrying reserved EVMs and damaged 2 control units, 2 ballot units and 3 VVPATs sector officer was also man handled. 23 people arrested. DC and SP vijayapura rushed to the spot," the Karnataka Chief Electoral Office said.

Polling in Kittur affected due to faulty EVM

Polling was affected for more than two hours at Devgaon polling station No 203 in Kittur taluk due to a faulty EVM. Polling commenced after the EVM was replaced.

Commuters troubled in Shivajinagar amid polling

Shivajinagar wears a deserted look. Regular bus users had to wait for 45 minutes to two hours to get buses. Many had to depend on autorickshaw and were forced to pat almost twice or thrice the meter charge to reach their destination

Villagers smash EVMs and VVPATs machines in Masabinal

Villagers of Masabinal in Basavan Bagewadi taluk of Vijaypur district damaged the Electronic Voting Machine and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines following confusion over shifting of reserved EVMs and VVPATs. Videos of villagers smashing the machines are doing rounds on social media.

BJP's govt will be formed in Karnataka: Union Minister Sonowal

What JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda said after casting his vote

"It's a small village. All round development has taken place. Credit should go to HD Revanna, who represents this constituency," JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda said after casting his vote at his native village Haradanahalliin Hassan district.

BJP's BC Nagesh casts his vote in Tiptur

State minister and BJP candidate from Tiptur assembly constituency BC Nagesh and his family cast their votes in Tiptur.

Over 37% votes cast till by 1 pm

More than 37 per cent of the electors voted in the Karnataka polls by 1 pm on Wednesday, a little less than the 39 per cent turnout recorded during this time in the 2018 polls. Polling began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm.

Kampli in Ballari district topped the chart with 49.89 per cent turnout overtaking Kundapura (49.5 per cent). Continuing the trend, voters in Bengaluru Urban didn't come out to vote with CV Raman Nagar (24.52 per cent) finding itself at the bottom of the chart.

Among the segments that crossed the 45 per cent mark were Kapu, Puttur, Virajpet, Melukote, Bantwal, Sirsi, Udupi, Hosakote, Byndoor, Kunigal, Kudachi and Sullia.

JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda casts his vote

37.25% votes cast till 1 pm

37.25 per cent voter turnout recorded till 1 pm.

Heated exchange of words breaks out between JD(S) workers & Raitha Sangha members at Chinnakurali booth

An heated exchange of words broke out between JD(S) workers and Raitha Sangha members at Chinnakurali booth in Pandavapura district for not allowing senior citizen voting on priority. However, it did not affect voting process.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, wife vote in Kalaburagi

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and his wife Radhabai Kharge cast their votes at a polling booth in Kalaburagi.

Inflation has to come down, but oppn has no right to criticise...: Nirmala Sitharaman

Since 2014, Modi govt has taken several measures to control inflation. Karnataka CM Bomnmai reduced excise rate on petrol twice. On inflation, I'm with people. Yes, it has to come down, but opposition has no right (to criticise), let them look at their tenure: Nirmala Sitharaman

Congress's Satish Jarkiholi shows his inked finger

KPCC Working President and Congress candidate from Yamakanamaradi assembly constituency, Satish Jarkihol, showing his inked finger after casting vote at a polling station in Belagavi district on Wednesday.

Voter turnout in Karnataka so far

Nearly 5 hours since polling began, Karnataka has seen 20.99 per centof its electors casting vote, with Assembly segments in coastal districts leading with about 30per cent voter turnout; Kollegal with mere 9 per cent voter turnout has reported the least voting so far.

Kundapura (32.14 per cent) was on top of the list, followed by Kanakapura (32) and Sullia (30.52). In Bengaluru, 11.6 per cent votes were cast in CV Raman Nagar, while the rest of the segments had registered voting above 15 per cent.

Woman dies at polling station

A woman who had come to cast her vote at the polling centre in Yarzarvi village -- under Savadatti assembly constituency -- died after collapsing in the polling station. Deceased has been identified as Paravva Ishwar Sidnal (68) resident of Yarzarvi.

Rs 61,500 cash, three phones seized in Kellaguthu

The Belthangady police have seized Rs 61,500 in cash and three mobile phones and a car at a SC colony in Kellaguthu. After taking permission from the court, FIR will be registered based on the complaint by the flying squad team, the police said.

It is alleged that BJP leaders were found in the colony at midnight and Congress workers informed the same to former MLA K Vasanth Bangera, who rushed to the spot.

He along with other Congress workers were successful in waylaiding the car. The flying squad personnel visited the spot and found cash inside the car, according to sources.

Suttur mutt seer casts his vote

Suttur mutt seer Sri Shivarathri Deshinkendra swamy casted his vote at booth number 191 at Government higher primary school at Suttur.

Bride and groom cast their votes in Mysuru

Bride and groom along with their family cast their votes for Karnataka Assembly Election 2023 at a polling booth in Mysuru.

Mallikarjun Kharge confident Congress will win election with 'thumping majority'

"...Congress party will win the election with a thumping majority...We will get more than 130-135 seats," says Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge.

20.99% votes cast till 11am

20.99 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 11am.

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer acts on Priyank Kharge's complaint

After Priyank Kharge's alleges malpractice at Chamnur polling booth, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer says action has been taken. "The Presiding Office is changed immediately based on the complaint received and polling is continued. Due action will be taken against the officer as per law."

Requesting people to bless JD(S) candidates for proper development: HD Kumaraswamy

33 voting machines replaced in Chitradurga

Over 30 electronic voting machines were replaced in Chitradurga on Wednesday due to a technical snag.

Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu GR said some polling booths in the district witnessed technical snags, but the defective voting machines were replaced in time.

HDK casts his vote in Ramanagara

Former Karnataka CM & JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy casts his vote for Karnataka Assembly Election 2023, at a polling booth in Ramanagara.

I will get more than 60% of the votes: Siddaramaiah

"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 Siddaramaiah after casting his vote.

Congress workers garland LPG gas cylinder in Bengaluru

No chances: Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on post-poll alliance with JD(S)

Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah offers prayers at temple in Varuna

Jarkiholi accuses DKS of blackmailing him

Former minister and BJP candidate from Gokak assembly constituency Ramesh Jarkiholi alleged that KPCC President D K Shivakumar has attempted to blackmail him and threatened him to stay away from meddling in the affairs of Belgaum Rural assembly constituency. (ANI)

Vote for the party which works: Ex-Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

"I request the voters to vote for the party which works. The future of this country is also involved in this election," says former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya votes in Bengaluru

Udupi bishop Gerald Issac Lobo votes

Congress track record about corruption: CM Bommai

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...?

Polling in Udupi peaceful so far

Polling commenced at five assembly constituencies of Udupi district on a peaceful note. Voters reached the polling booths early morning and stood in queues to exercise their rights. Security arrangements are in place to prevent any untoward incident.

Vote for Congress: DK Shivakumar's wife's appeals to voters

"I am 100% (sure) that my husband will win. Congress govt will come. It (The Kerala Story) will not have any effect in Karnataka. I appeal to people to vote for Congress," says wife of Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar.

8.26% votes cast till 9 am

8.26 per cent voter turnout recorded till 9 am in Karnataka Assembly election 2023.

I am 200% confident we will win an absolute majority: Congress Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar

"I am 200% confident Congress party will have 141 seats. We will win an absolute majority..," says Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar.

Congress's Priyank Kharge says polling stopped in Chamnur booth, alleges 'Presiding Officer is influencing people to vote for BJP'

Congress party's sitting MLA and candidate from Chittapur assembly constituency, Priyank Kharge, alleged that polling has "stopped in booth #178 (in) Chamnur village as the Presiding Officer is prompting/influencing people to vote for BJP."

Karnataka CM Bommai exudes confidence in BJP's victory

"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.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale votes

A bride casts her vote in Chikkamagaluru

A bride casts her vote at polling booth number 165 in Chikkamagaluru.

Long queues witnessed outside polling booths in Kodagu

Fearing rain, several voters in various parts of Kodagu district left for polling stations in the morning itself. A long queue was witnessed outside several polling booths in Kodagu. Virajpet MLA and BJP candidate K G Bopaiah, along with his family members, exercised their franchise at Junior College polling booth in Madikeri. The district has a total of 4.56 lakh voters and 543 polling booths.

Karnataka polls: Congress's Asif Sait shows his inked finger after casting vote in Belagavi

Congress candidate from Belgaum Uttar assembly constituency Asif (Raju) Sait showshis inked finger after casting vote in Belagavi.

I appeal to all voters to exercise their franchise: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan

"As polling for Karnataka assembly election get underway, I appeal to all voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers.Also, encourage the youth, particularly the first-time voters to cast their vote for ensuring a better future for Karnataka," Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted.

Sudha Murty's message to young voters amid Karnataka polling: 'We are oldies, but...'

Sudha Murty's message to young voters after casting her vote, says, "Please look at us. We are oldies but we get up at 6 o'clock, come here and vote. Please learn from us. Voting is a sacred part of democracy..."

Karnataka former Deputy CM and Congress leader G Parameshwara votes in Tumakuru

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy casts his vote in Bengaluru

"First, we vote and then we can say this is good, this is not good but if we don't do that then we don't have the right to criticise," says Infosys founder Narayana Murthy after casting his vote in Bengaluru.

Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Classes Kota Srinivas Poojary wait in a queue outside a polling booth at Kotatattu village of Kundapura Assembly constituency to exercise his franchise.

Karnataka Congress working president Eshwar Khandre casts his vote

Eshwar Khandre, working president of Karnataka Congress, casts his vote in Bidar's Bhalki area.

CM Bommai offers prayers at Hanuman temple in Hubbali amid voting for high-stake election

BS Yediyurappa confident of BJP's victory in Karnataka Assembly polls

"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.

'Enrich the festival of democracy' says PM Modi

"Urging the people of Karnataka, particularly young and first time voters to vote in large numbers and enrich the festival of democracy," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Karnataka CM Bommai's appeal to voters amid the polling for state Assembly polls

"I am very happy with the way our party conducted the campaign and the way people have reacted. I appeal to people to come and vote for the development of Karnataka," Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said. (ANI)

Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and his family cast votes in Thirthahalli

Elderly woman arrives to vote in Mysuru

An elderly woman, Nigamma, arrives at a polling booth in Mysuru to cast her vote.Polling for the state election began at 7 am today.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives to cast her vote in Bengaluru

BSY, son Vijayendra offer prayers at temple as polling begins

Polling begins across booths in Karnataka

PM urges people of Karnataka to head to the polling booths

Preparations under way at polling booths in Karnataka

Pawan Khera alleges Goa BJP govt is sending people into northern Karnataka using buses

BJP was the most-searched political party on Google before Karnataka polls

Kalaburgi DC nabs two for distributing money to voters

The Kalaburgi DC has arrested two individuals who have been accused of distributing money to voters ahead of the Karnataka assembly elections. Congress leader Priyank Kharge has demanded a probe into the incident.

Rahul Gandhi reminds voters of Congress' five guarantees before polling begins

The Gandhi scion has taken to Twitter to share a list of promises his party will likely fullfil if they come to power. Notably, the Congress has itself lodged a complaint with the ECI against PM Modi for his appeal to Kannadigas during the "silence period".

PM appeals to voters during 'silence period'; Cong complains to EC

Maha Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis convinced Kannadigas will vote for BJP before polling begins

"Last few days travelled vigorously in Karnataka. Kannadiga sisters and brothers who believe in Lord Basaveshwara, Chhatrapati Shivarai, Maharani Channamma and #Bajrangbali will continue Karnataka's development journey by pressing the button next to the lotus symbol. The love given by hundreds of BJP leaders-party workers and the people of Karnataka is unforgettable," the BJP leader said in a tweet.