Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Haradanahalli saw all-around development, says former PM Deve Gowda

Following his vote, he said, that it is a little community and that there has been general progress. After casting his ballot at his hometown hamlet of Haradanahalli in the Hassan district, JD(S) leader and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda said HD Revanna, who represents this constituency, deserves praise.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

No alliance with JD(S), will form govt on our own, says Cong's DK Shivakumar

With Karnataka polls already underway, Congress Chief DK Shivakumar has made a major announcement saying that the party will not ally with Janata Dal (Secular) since he is confident that his party will get an absolute majority in the assembly.

“Here the issue is price rise, corruption, good governance and development. There are no chances of alliance with JD(S). We will form the government on our own,” Shivakumar told reporters after casting his vote here in elections to Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Shivakumar’s comments were echoed by former chief minister Siddaramaiah who too expressed confidence that Congress will secure a majority in the state, paving the way for a single-party rule.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP will form government in Karnataka, says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

‘Doing some kind of puja atleast,’ BJP MP Tejasvi's dig at Congress

Tejasvi Surya, a member of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), mocked the Congress party on Wednesday by claiming that "at least it is worshipping something."

"Suddenly, the Congress party has started praying to everything -- whether it is visiting Bajrang Bali temples last week or seeing God in gas cylinders."

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Cast vote after looking at cooking gas cylinders, Shivakumar appeals to Karnataka voters

DK Shivakumar, the head of the Karnataka Congress, urged the citizens of Karnataka to cast their ballots after 'looking at petrol cylinders' on Wednesday.

Prior to casting his ballot, Shivakumar prayed at the Kenkeramma temple.

"I am appealing to everyone, please cast a vote by looking at our gas cylinders. I have advised all my leaders to put a (cooking) gas cylinder outside the booth and put a garland on it," Shivakumar told reporters.

The Congress said that people were suffering because of the high cost of some necessities while also accusing the BJP administration of failing to control inflation.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

"Will not form alliance with JD(S)": Karnataka Congress chief Shivakumar

DK Shivakumar, the leader of the Karnataka Congress, rejected a post-election coalition with the Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) on Wednesday and expressed confidence that his party would win a resounding majority in the 224-seat legislature.

"Here the issue is price rise, corruption, good governance and development. There are no chances of alliance with JD(S). We will form the government on our own," Shivakumar told reporters after casting his vote here in elections to Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Earlier in the day, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah too expressed confidence that the Congress will secure an absolute majority, saying it could get 130-150 seats.

Shivakumar further appealed to the people of Karnataka to consider "inflation" in the BJP-ruled state and come out and vote.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP wants to win Karnataka elections with 'money power', alleges Congress leader Siddaramaiah

The governing BJP, according to the former chief minister of Karnataka and prominent Congress figure Siddaramaiah, intends to win the Assembly election with "money power" since they "do not have any developmental works to showcase" to the electorate.

Additionally, he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining mute throughout his series of public meetings while campaigning for the elections that are taking place today on price increases, unemployment, and corruption in the state.

"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.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

37.25% voter turnout recorded till 1pm

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

996 'sakhi' booths set up by the Election Commission

The Election Commission of Karnataka has set up 996 "sakhi booths" in total. According to the ECI, these polling places are entirely run by women, establishing a good example of female empowerment.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP minister Pralhad Joshi votes in Hubli with family

Pralhad Joshi, a minister for the union, voted on Wednesday and afterwards posted a picture of it on Twitter.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, wife cast their votes

At a voting place in Kalaburagi, Mallikarjun Kharge, the national president of the Congress, and his wife Radhabai Kharge cast their ballots.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Kharge says Congress will win over 130 seats

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

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

People will vote for change, progressive K'taka, says DK Shivakumar 

DK Shivakumar said that since the young voters are intelligent and talented, they will make suitable decisions.

He also added that they will remove the corrupt government and elect a Congress government.

"Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had reduced the age of voters from 21 years to 18 years. They will vote for a change, change for a democratic and global Karnataka. They know about the price rise, corruption in the government and I am sure they will vote for a change", he stated.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

'Modi's magic will give us majority', says former CM Yediyurappa's son BY Vijayendra

BJP leader BY Vijayendra who is also the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that he is confident about his party’s victory in the state and that BJP will secure 135 seats in the Karnataka Elections 2023.

Vijayendra exercised his right to franchise from the Shivamogga constituency. “Modi’s magic will give us the absolute majority. We will win at least 130 seats in this election. Not only the Lingayat community, but all other castes are also with BJP. Congress will lose the election very badly,” he said.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

20.99% voter turnout recorded till 11 am, in Karnataka Elections

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP will win Karnataka elections with record number of seats, asserts CM Bommai

Basavaraj Bommai, the chief minister of Karnataka, voiced optimism on Wednesday that the BJP will win a clear majority in the next election.

Bommai, who is running for re-election from the Shiggaon sector for a fourth straight term, told reporters after casting his ballot at a government school in the Haveri region that he will win by a record margin.

“So is the BJP, which is going to win with a record number of seats. Comfortable majority will be there,” he predicted.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

If we don't vote, we have no rights to criticise: Software icon Narayana Murthy

NR Narayana Murthy, a co-founder of the large IT company Infosys, and his novelist wife Sudha Murthy voted in the Karnataka Assembly elections on Wednesday and encouraged others to do the same.

"First, we vote and then we say this is good and this is not good. But if we don't do that, then we have no rights to criticise," 76-year-old Narayana Murthy stated here in the morning after using his franchise.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

HD Kumaraswamy casts his vote in Ramanagara

HD Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister of Karnataka and JDS leader, votes in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Election in Ramanagara with his family.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress workers were seen putting garlands on LPG gas cylinders

In some locations, Congress employees were seen burning incense sticks around LPG gas cylinders and decorating them with garlands. The tendency of pre-voting rituals has been noticed by Kannadigas, according to Congress, who tweeted about it.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress will win over 130 seats, says Siddaramaiah

The former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that he had been constantly saying that Congress will get 130 plus seats. The Congress leader also said that Congress may get up to 150 seats as well.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Actor Upendra Rao casts his vote

At a voting station in Bengaluru for the Karnataka Elections 2023, actor Upendra Rao casts his ballot.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah casts his vote

Siddaramaiah, a former chief minister of Karnataka and a Congress candidate from the Varuna seat, casts his ballot in the state of Karnataka.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress leader G Parameshwara votes in Tumakuru

G Parameshwara, a former deputy chief minister of Karnataka and a prominent member of the Congress, voted on Wednesday at Siddharth Nagar, Tumakuru.

Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa and current Chief Minister of Karnataka Bommai have already cast their votes.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress's Priyank Kharge says polling stopped in Chamnur booth

Priyank Kharge, an incumbent MLA running for the Congress party in the Chittapur assembly district, said that voting had "stopped in booth #178 (in) Chamnur village as the Presiding Officer is prompting/influencing people to vote for BJP."

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Congress tally might rise to 150 seats, says Siddaramaiah on Karnataka Elections 2023

Congress leader and former chief minister K Siddaramaiah expressed his confidence in the party's success in the Karnataka assembly elections 2023, predicting that "Congress will get 130 plus seats, it may go up to 150 seats also," according to news agency ANI.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

FM Sitharaman hits out at Congress, says Opposition has 'no right' to speak about inflation

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said people of the country should not be burdened by inflation and the Opposition has “no right” to speak about it.

Sitharaman was among the early voters to exercise her franchise in Karnataka elections 2023. The minister cast her vote at a polling station in Bengaluru.

“…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. From 2014 to today, a lot of steps have been taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.”

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BRS leader K Kavitha urges Karnataka electors to reject 'hatred', vote for 'development'

On Wednesday, K Kavitha, a BRS MLC and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, urged Karnataka people to vote for growth and prosperity without specifying any particular political party.

"Dear Karnataka, Reject Hatred! Vote for development, prosperity & well-being of the society and the people," she said in a tweet.

Voting for the high-stakes Assembly elections in Karnataka began at 7 am today.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

'People have decided to choose progressive, welfare-oriented govt,' says Congress President Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that the people of Karnataka have decided to choose a progressive, transparent and welfare-oriented government. His comments came as voting is underway for 224 assemblies with 2,615 candidates in the fray.

Kharge, on Twitter, urged voters to come out and take part in the democratic process for a better future for Karnataka.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

200% confident Congress will win 141 seats, says DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Congress president and party’s candidate from Kanakapura DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that young voters have a great opportunity to vote for a change and expressed confidence that the party will win at least 141 seats and form the government with absolute majority.

“I am 200% confident Congress party will win 141 seats. We will win an absolute majority..,” said Shivakumar.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Land of Bajrang Bali (Karnataka) will respond to Congress on 13 May, says Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya

Tejasvi Surya, a member of parliament for Bengaluru South, declared after voting that "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," he said.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje urges voters to vote for good govt

Shobha Karandlaje, a union minister and BJP leader, arrives at a voting location in Bengaluru to cast her ballot in the Karnataka Elections 2023.

She added that voters should come to polling booths and vote in high percentage and bring a good government.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar casts his vote

In the Karnataka Assembly Election, Jagadish Shettar, a former chief minister of Karnataka and a candidate for the Congress, voted in the Hubli-Dharwad Central Assembly seat.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

8.26% voter turnout recorded till 9 am

According to the Voter Turnout app, 8.26 per cent voter turnout has been recorded till 9 am, in Karnataka Assembly Election.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Oppn has no right to speak on inflation, says Nirmala Sitharaman after casting her vote

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who voted at an early voting location in Bengaluru on Wednesday, stated that the public shouldn't be burdened by inflation but that the opposition has no right to comment on the subject.

"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," Nirmala Sitharaman said while talking to reporters after casting her vote here in the Karnataka Assembly elections.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

'I will win by a record margin', says CM Bommai after casting his vote

On the day of the Karnataka Polls, Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai urged people to come out and cast their votes for “the development of the State.”

After casting his vote, the chief minister 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.”

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

First time voters welcomed

The young voters who were voting for the first time were welcomed in polling booth 125 of Chikmagalur district.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

People should come out and vote, says former Karnataka CM

Former Karnataka CM & BJP leader Sadananda Gowda says that people should come out and vote.

He added that the assurances given by BJP have been fulfilled and he hoped that people will accept the party whose assurances have been fulfilled.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP MP from Dharwad constituency, Pralhad Joshi, arrives at a polling booth

Pralhad Joshi, a union minister and BJP member from the Dharwad district comes at a Hubballi polling location to cast his vote in the Karnataka Assembly Election.

"I'm happy that people are celebrating this festival of democracy in a big way. People are interested to bring BJP's double-engine govt. BJP will form govt on its own," he says

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

DK Shivakumar offers prayers at Sri Kenkeramma Temple

DK Shivakumar, president of the Karnataka Congress and the party's candidate for Kanakapura, offers prayers at the Sri Kenkeramma Temple at Kanakapura, Ramanagara. Alongside him is his brother, DK Suresh, a Congress MP.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Nirmala Sitharaman, Yediyurappa and Narayana Murthy among early voters in Karnataka Assembly elections

In the Karnataka Assembly elections on Wednesday, early voters included Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, veteran of the IT sector N.R. Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murthy, and 'Rajamate' Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the Mysuru royal family.

During the early voting period, which started at 7 am, Siddalinga Swamiji, seer of the Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru, actor Ramesh Arvind, senior Congress politician G Parameshwara, and ministers R Ashoka, Araga Jnanendra, C N Ashwath Narayan, and K Sudhakar all exercised their right to vote.

In Bengaluru's Jayanagar neighbourhood, Sitharaman, a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, cast her ballot with Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Rahul Gandhi asks voters to build '40% commission-free', progressive Karnataka

Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, asked Karnataka voters to cast their ballots in big numbers on Wednesday in order to create a progressive and "40% commission-free" state.

Voting for the crucial Assembly elections in Karnataka started early on Wednesday. The incumbent BJP is hoping to make history by keeping hold of its southern stronghold while a feisty Congress is looking to make a return ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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."      

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Sudha Murty casts vote in Bengaluru; asks youth to learn from 'oldies' and vote

Voting is a sacred part of democracy” said Sudha Murty after casting her vote at Jayanagar, Bengaluru. She also asked the youth to learn from ‘oldies’ and cast their vote.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Kannada actress Amulya casts her vote in Bengaluru

Amulya, a Kannada actress, and her husband cast their ballots at RR Nagar, Bengaluru.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Nirmala Sitharaman on Bajrang Dal row

"We always read Hanuman Chalisa and offer prayers to Bajrang Bali, but they (Congress) do this during the election...They mentioned that in their manifesto, this is an example of stupidity," said Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after casting her vote in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy at a polling booth to cast his vote

Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, enters a voting station in Bengaluru to cast his ballot.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

"Vote for development of State ...": Karnataka CM Bommai

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Wednesday appealed to people to come out and vote for the "development of the State".

Further, he expressed his happiness over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s campaign for the election which includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public rallies and roadshows.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Modi's magic will give us absolute majority, states BJP leader

BJP leader BY Vijayendra stated that Modi's magic will give the BJP an absolute majority.

He also said that they will win at least 130 seats in this election. 

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

People of Karnataka have decided to choose welfare-oriented government: Kharge

According to Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, the people of Karnataka have voted to elect a progressive, open, and welfare-focused administration.

He urged people to vote in huge numbers in the election.

"People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government," Kharge said in a tweet.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BJP has been a people's party, says Karnataka minister CN Ashwathnarayan

Karnataka minister and BJP candidate from Malleshwaram constituency, CN Ashwathnarayan stated that the BJP has been a people's party and it represents all sections.

He also added that with globalisation, the people needed a party which could represent the people across the globe.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Nirmala Sitharaman arrives to cast her vote in Bengaluru

Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, arrives in Bengaluru to cast her ballot.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

PM Modi urges people of Karnataka to vote in large numbers

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the citizens of Karnataka to cast their ballots in big numbers to enhance the democratic celebration.

The ruling BJP is up for reelection in Karnataka, but the Congress is challenging it. The third major contender in the race is the Janata Dal (Secular).

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

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Rahul Gandhi reminds voters of Congress' five guarantees

Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, asked citizens to work together to create a progressive, '40% commission'-free Karnataka.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

BS Yediyurappa offers prayers at Sri Huccharaya Swami Temple

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa and his family pay a visit to the Sri Huccharaya Swami Temple in Shikaripur and give prayers.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Siddalinga Swami of Siddaganga mutt casts his vote

At a voting location in Tumakuru, Siddalinga Swami of the Siddaganga Mutt casts his ballot for the 2023 Karnataka Elections.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Actor Prakash Raj arrives to cast his vote

Actor Prakash Raj arrives at the St. Joseph's School voting location in Shanti Nagar, Bengaluru, to cast his vote in the Karnataka Assembly Election.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Former CM Yediyurappa appeals to voters to vote for India's bright future

The former CM requested all the voters, especially the first-time voters, to vote without fail and to participate in the celebration of democracy.

In his tweet, he requested everyone to cast their votes without fail for the bright future of the country and all-round development.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Amit Shah urges the people in Karnataka to come out in large numbers to vote

Amit Shah asked the citizens of Karnataka to cast their votes in support of effective leadership, growth, and prosperity for the state.

A pro-people, pro-progress government that will continue to lead the state to greater heights can be ensured with only one vote, he added.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

'The Kerala Story' takes centre stage in Karnataka polls

The Kerala Story became a crucial subject in the Karnataka elections as the Congress equated PFI to Bajrang Dal in its platform and promised to outlaw it if it wins the next elections, drawing condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The film 'The Kerala Story,' which pushed topics like corruption, unemployment, inflation, reservation, and development to the back burner, found itself at the centre of a national controversy.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Preparations, mock poll underway

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Campaign for assembly elections in Karnataka ended on Monday

All party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had 19 public meetings and six roadshows during the intense campaign for the Karnataka assembly elections, which finished on Monday. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Congress, camped out in the state for 12 days.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Voting amid high security

On election day throughout Karnataka, 84,119 State Police Officers and 58,500 CAPF police in 650 CoYs are on Law and Order and security duty. In order to maintain Law and Order effectively and deal with MCC infractions, all police officers are on patrol. Police officers and other staff members are on high alert at 185 Interstate Border Checkpoints.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Mock polling starts ahead of 2023 Karnataka Elections

The mock election starts before the Assembly elections.  

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Key seats to watch out for in 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections

The Vokkaliga and Lingayat voters will play a significant impact in the elections. Vokkaligas make up 11 per cent of the population, while Lingayats make up 17 per cent.

Varuna, Kanakapura, Shiggaon, Hubli-Darwad, Channapatna, Shikaripura, Chittapur, Ramanagara, and Chikmagalur are a few of the crucial electoral districts that will have a significant impact.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

Karnataka Elections 2023 will prove if ‘gaali politics’ work as a game changer in polls

The word “nalayak” (incompetent) spoken twice against the serving prime ministers come to haunt the Congress. However, unlike November 1998 when AICC spokesman Mani Shankar Aiyar lost his job for uttering “nalayak”, nearly 25 years later, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank seems to be getting away with it with the full backing of the grand old party. It is a reflection of the utter lack of decency in the political discourse in the country and the political leadership’s admission that civility and decorum in public speeches is not a one-way street.

Karnataka Election 2023 LIVE

CEC appeals to 5.3 crore registered voters to participate enthusiastically

Rajiv Kumar, the chief election commissioner, urged the 11.7 lakh first-time voters among Karnataka's 5.3 crore registered voters on Tuesday to cast their votes enthusiastically in the Wednesday election.