Karnataka Election Live: Voting Concludes With 65.69 Per Cent Voter Turnout Logged Till 5 PM

Karnataka Election 2023 Live: Polling is underway in Karnataka after days of high-octane campaigning by major political parties. Follow Live Updates here.

Background

Karnataka Election 2023 Live: Voting is underway in Karnataka days after aggressive campaigning by the BJP, Congress and the JD(S). The result of the election will be declared on May 13. The Karnataka election campaign came to an end on Monday (May 8). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Former Congress General Secretary Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi have all campaigned in the state. Apart from national political leaders, Karnataka saw campaigning from various state chief ministers such as Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttar Pradesh's Yogi Adityanath, and Madhya Pradesh's Shivraj Singh Chouhan. PM HELD 19 RALLIESPrime Minister Narendra Modi alone held 19 election rallies and 6 roadshows across Karnataka during the campaigning season. PM Modi also held a shorter roadshow on Sunday, on a different route the day after a three-hour roadshow in Bengaluru. With only two days until the election, the party had gone all-in on leveraging the PM for one last push to retain power in what is expected to be a closely contested election.Apart from the prime minister, BJP President JP Nadda addressed 10 public rallies and 16 roadshows, while Amit Shah attended 16 gatherings and 15 roadshows. Union Minister Smriti Irani attended 17 meetings and two roadshows, Rajnath Singh attended four meetings, Nitin Gadkari three, and Nirmala Sitharaman addressed eight election gatherings. A total of 5,31,33,054 electors are eligible to cast their votes in 58,545 polling stations across the state, where 2,615 candidates are in the fray.Among the electors, 2,67,28,053 are male, 2,64,00,074 female and 4,927 "others", while among the candidates 2,430 are male, 184 female and one from the third gender.As many as 11,71,558 are young voters, while 5,71,281 are persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 12,15,920 are aged above 80. While the ruling BJP, riding on the Modi juggernaut, wants to break the 38-year jinx and retain its southern citadel, the Congress is seeking to wrest power to give the party much-needed elbow room and momentum to position itself as the main opposition player in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.Also what needs to be watched out for, is whether former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular), will emerge as a "kingmaker" by holding the key for government formation, in the event of a hung verdict, as it has done in the past. "A government with full majority" seemed to be the favourite slogan for the leaders of all the political parties during campaigning, as they stressed on getting a clear mandate to form a strong and stable government in the state, unlike what happened after the 2018 polls.A total of 75,603 Ballot Units (BU), 70,300 Control Units (CU) and 76,202 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) are slated to be used during voting. 

12/05/2023 17:05:57

Congress Leader Gourav Vallabh Says 'Planning Implementations Of 5 Guarantees Promised'

A day ahead of Karnataka Assembly Elections results, Congress Leader Gourav Vallabh said: "We are more concerned about the five guarantees, we are discussing about the structure of their implementation".

12/05/2023 17:03:21

'Because Of Our Manifesto, Congress Is Guaranteed To Win': Jairam Ramesh

Congress party General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said: "During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, we were there for 27 days in Karnataka and visited 7 districts. We don’t have any doubt. We will get majority votes. We have promised 5 guarantees in our manifesto, and because of these guarantees Congress is guaranteed to win".

10/05/2023 18:07:39

Voting Concludes With 65.69 Per Cent Voter Turnout Logged Till 5 PM

The voting in Karnataka has come to an end with the voters sealing the fate of political parties. 65.69 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5pm. 

10/05/2023 17:46:33

Karnataka Election Live: 65.69 Per Cent Voter Turnout Logged Till 5 PM

65.69 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 5 pm. 

10/05/2023 17:37:07

Kannada Actors Dhruva Sarja, Yash Cast Vote

Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja reached the polling station and cast his vote in Bengaluru. Actor Yash also cast his vote at a polling booth in Padmanabhanagar

10/05/2023 15:41:03

52 Per Cent Voter Turnout Logged Till 3 PM

A voter turnout of 52.03 per cent recorded till 3 pm

10/05/2023 14:48:59

BJP's Govt Will Be Formed In Karnataka: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

BJP's govt will be formed in Karnataka, says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

10/05/2023 14:40:14

One Should Keep Their Issues In Mind While Voting: Actor Kiccha Sudeep Casts Vote

Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep after casting his vote in Bengaluru, says, "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." 

10/05/2023 13:50:50

JDS Chief And Ex-PM HD Devegowda Casts His Vote For Karnataka Assembly Polls

JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda casts his vote for Karnataka assembly polls.

10/05/2023 13:48:03

Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar Drives An Auto In His Kanakpura Constituency

Karnataka Congress president and party's candidate from Kanakpura, DK Shivakumar drives an auto in the constituency.

10/05/2023 13:39:48

Voter Turnout of 37.25% Recorded Till 1 PM In Karnataka

According to the data of the Election Commission, a voter turnout of 37.25 per cent was recorded till 1 PM in Karnataka.

10/05/2023 13:15:42

Sons Of Veteran Kannada Actor Ravichandran, Manoranjan & Vikram Cast Votes For Karnataka Elections

Sons of veteran Kannada actor Ravichandran - Manoranjan and Vikram cast their votes for Karnataka assembly elections.

10/05/2023 13:14:15

Karnataka Polls: Kannada Actor Shiva Rajkumar, His Wife And Congress Leader Geetha Shivarajkumar Cast Votes

Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar and his wife and Congress leader Geetha Shivarajkumar cast their votes for the Karnataka polls.

10/05/2023 12:52:04

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, His Wife Radhabai Kharge Cast Votes In Kalaburagi

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

10/05/2023 11:39:28

Will Get Over 130-135 Seats: Congress Chief Kharge Makes Big Claim Ahead Of Karnataka Results

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

10/05/2023 12:18:43

Not Only Kingmaker But King: HD Kumaraswamy On How JDS Will Emerge In Karnataka Polls

Former Karnataka CM & JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy says, "We are requesting people to bless JDS candidates to get proper development. Our party will not only be the kingmaker but the King."

10/05/2023 11:33:50

Karnataka Election Live: Voting Picks Up As 20.94% Turnout Recorded Till 11 AM

After a bit of slow voting, the turnout has picked up to 20.94 percent in Karnataka till 11 am.

10/05/2023 11:28:38

Ex-Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Casts His Vote In Ramanagara

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

10/05/2023 11:25:27

Former Cricketer Javagal Srinath Cast Vote In Mysuru

Former cricketer Javagal Srinath cast his vote at a polling station in Mysuru. He says, "...I request people to come, vote & choose a good leader for good democracy. I also voted...We must participate in democracy..."

10/05/2023 11:06:55

Will Form Govt on Our Own: DK Shivakumar Rules Out Possibility Of Congress-JDS Alliance

"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.

10/05/2023 11:05:10

Ex-Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Casts His Vote

Former Karnataka CM and Congress candidate from Varuna constituency, Siddaramaiah casts his vote.

10/05/2023 10:56:43

Congress Workers Garland LPG Gas Cylinder, Burn Incense Sticks Near It In Bengaluru

Congress workers garland an LPG gas cylinder and burn incense sticks near it, in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar area.

10/05/2023 10:44:11

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Casts Vote For Karnataka Elections 2023 In Bengaluru

 BJP MP Tejasvi Surya casts his vote for Karnataka Elections 2023, at a polling booth in Bengaluru.

10/05/2023 10:43:30

Congress's Seats May Go Up To 150: Claims Party Leader Siddaramaiah

Congress leader and former CM Siddaramaiah says, "I've been constantly saying that Congress will get 130 plus seats, it may go up to 150 seats also."

10/05/2023 10:18:18

Over 60 Cases Filed Aganinst Ex-CM, Others: Bommai Slams Congress On Corruption

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...?"

10/05/2023 10:16:29

Karnataka Congress Working President Says Party High-Command Will Decide CM

"We will get a clear majority with more than 125 seats. There are 2-3 people (for the CM post) but High Command and MLAs will decide: Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka Congress working president. 

10/05/2023 10:15:25

Karnataka Polls: 8.26% Voter Turnout Till 9 AM, EC Data Says

A voter turnout of 8.26 percent was recorded till 9 am in Karnataka, as per official data of Election Commission.

10/05/2023 10:14:20

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai Says BJP Will Come Back With Comfortable Majority

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai says, "I am 100% confident that we will come back with a comfortable majority."

10/05/2023 10:09:02

Development Is Main Issue Of This Election: BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje says, "Development is the main issue of this election. I request everyone to vote and participate in this festival of democracy," urging people to vote in large numbers.

10/05/2023 10:05:27

He Will WIn With Over 50,000 Votes: CM Bomma's Wife

"He (Basavaraj Bommai) will win with more than 50,000 votes. BJP is winning the election and will get more than 150 seats," says the wife of Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai

10/05/2023 10:06:16

People From All Castes Voting For Me: Ex-K'taka CM And Congress Candidate Jagadish Shettar

Jagadish Shettar, former Karnataka CM and Congress candidate from Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly constituency cast his vote for Karnataka Assembly Election 2023.

"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

10/05/2023 10:02:34

Welcome Them Offering Prayers To LPG Cylinders: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's Jibe At Congress

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya took a jibe at Congress as he said, "Karnataka which is the land of Bajrang Bali will answer all these things on 13th May. We welcome DK Shivakumar and Congress party offering prayers to LPG cylinders, we are happy that Congress is doing some kind of puja at least." 

10/05/2023 09:56:31

200% Confident Congress Will Have 141 Seats: Karnataka Party President DK Shivakumar

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

His wife said, "I am 100% 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."

10/05/2023 09:51:53

Polling Stopped, Presiding Officer In Chamnur Village Influencing People To Vote For BJP: Priyank Kharge

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

10/05/2023 09:47:04

Congress Candidate From Kanakapura DK Shivakumar Offers Prayers At Sri Kenkeramma Temple

Karnataka Congress president and party's candidate from Kanakapura, DK Shivakumar offers prayers at Sri Kenkeramma Temple in Kanakapura, Ramanagara. His brother and party MP DK Suresh is also with him.

10/05/2023 09:41:24

Karnataka Polls: Let's Build '40% Commission' Free Govt, Says Rahul Gandhi, Urges People To Vote

Asking people to vote in large numbers, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said 'Let's build a 40-per cent-commission-free government' as he also asked the people to vote for women's rights, youth employment, and betterment of the poor'. 

In a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "Karnataka's vote… for 5 guarantees, for women's rights, for youth employment, for the upliftment of the poor. Come, vote in large numbers. Let's build a 40%-commission-free, progressive Karnataka together." 

10/05/2023 09:37:27

Karnataka Polls: RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale Casts His Vote

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale casts his vote for the Karnataka elections.

10/05/2023 09:23:03

I Will Win By Record Margin: CM Bommai After Casting Vote

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai talks to the media after casting his vote.

He said, "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." 

10/05/2023 09:08:41

Kannada Actor Ramesh Aravind, Ganesh And His Wife Arrive At Polling Booth In Bengaluru

Kannada actor Ganesh and his wife arrive at a polling booth in RR nagar, Bengaluru to cast their votes. Actor Ramesh Aravind also arrives at a polling booth in Bengaluru to cast his vote.

10/05/2023 09:06:47

Infosys Co-founder Nandan Nilekani Casts Vote At Polling Booth In Bengaluru

Co-founder of Infosys, Nandan Nilekani casts his vote at a polling booth in Koramangala, Bengaluru.

10/05/2023 09:04:57

Karnataka Polls — I Tell Youth, Come To Vote Then You've Power To Talk: Sudha Murty

"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 after casting vote.

10/05/2023 08:39:56

First We Vote, Then We Can Say This Is Good, Not Good: Narayan Murthy After Casting Vote

"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.

10/05/2023 08:26:31

Modi's Magic Will Give Us Absolute Majority: BJP Leader BY Vijayendra

BJP leader BY Vijayendra says, "This is my first election and I am happy that the party gave me the opportunity to contest. I'm blessed to contest from the Shikaripura seat. People are fed up with hung assembly and I am confident that BJP will get majority."

He added, "Modi's magic will give us absolute majority. We will win at least 130 seats in this election. Not only Lingayat community, but all other castes are also with BJP. Congress will lose the election very badly."

10/05/2023 08:23:27

Over 75-80% People Will Support BJP: Party Leader BS Yediyurappa

"I request all people to cast their votes as early as possible. I am 100 per cent sure they will vote in favour of the BJP. More than 75-80 percent will support BJP. We will win 130-135 seats," says Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa.

10/05/2023 08:20:13

Happy The Way Party Campaigned: CM And BJP Leader Basavaraj Bommai

"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," says Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai.

10/05/2023 08:18:58

'Oppn Should Look At Their Tenure...': FM Sitharaman On Inflation After Casting Vote In Bengaluru

Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman, after casting her vote in Bengaluru says, "...On inflation, I am with the public that yes, there should not be a burden on them but the Opposition has no right (to speak on it). They should look at their own tenure..."

10/05/2023 08:01:48

Will Get Absolute Majority And Form Govt: Ex-CM BS Yediyurappa After Casting Vote

Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa talks to the media after casting his vote.

He says, "BY Vijayendra is going to get more than 40,000 votes here. We will get the absolute majority and will form the govt, there is no doubt about it. People's response is very good."

10/05/2023 07:59:30

BS Yediyurappa Reaches Shikarpur Administrative Building To Cast Vote With Family

Former CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, along with his family, reaches Shikarpur Administrative Building to cast his vote. 

10/05/2023 07:57:38

Karnataka HM Araga Jnanendra And His Family Cast Their Votes In Thirthahalli

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

10/05/2023 07:56:35

Kannada Actress Amulya, Her Husband Cast Votes At A Polling Booth In RR Nagar, Bengaluru

Kannada actress Amulya and her husband cast their votes at a polling booth in RR Nagar, Bengaluru.

10/05/2023 07:50:22

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Arrives At Bengaluru Polling Booth To Cast Vote

Union Finance Minister and BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at a polling booth in Bengaluru to cast her vote.

10/05/2023 07:48:29

Ex-Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa Visits And Offers Prayers At Raghavendra Swamy Mutt

Former Karnataka CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa visits and offers prayers at Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Shikaripura, along with his family.  

His son, BY Vijayendra is contesting from the Assembly constituency.

10/05/2023 07:44:55

Karnataka Minister CN Ashwath Narayan Casts Vote In Bengaluru

Karnataka Minister CN Ashwath Narayan casts his vote for at a polling booth in Bengaluru . "I request all people to come and cast their votes," he says.

10/05/2023 07:28:14

Congress Chief Kharge Welcomes First-Time Voters To Participate In Polling

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge says the people of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government. 

"Today, it is time vote in large numbers. We welcome our first time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future," he tweeted.

10/05/2023 07:26:29

Vote For Good Governance: Amit Shah To Karnataka Voters

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday asked voters to vote for good governance in Karnataka.

"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," he said in a tweet.

10/05/2023 07:22:49

Karnataka Elections Live: PM Modi Urges Voters To Vote In Large Numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asks people to vote in large numbers in Karnataka.

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

10/05/2023 07:20:50

Karnataka Elections: Siddalinga Swami Of Siddaganga Mutt Casts Vote At Tumakuru Polling Booth

Siddalinga Swami of Siddaganga mutt casts his vote for Karnataka elections at a polling booth in Tumakuru.

10/05/2023 07:19:00

Actor Prakash Raj Arrives At Polling Booth In Bengaluru To Cast His Vote

Actor Prakash Raj arrives at the polling booth in St. Joseph's School in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru to cast his vote for Karnataka Assembly polls.

10/05/2023 07:03:33

Karnataka Election 2023 Live: Voting Begins For 224-Member Legislative Assembly

Voting Begins For 224-Member Legislative Assembly of Karnataka.