Karnataka Election 2024 Highlights: 69% turnout recorded in first phase of polling in Karnataka

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-- Voting was held on Friday for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, in 14 constituencies, with an estimated over 69 percent turnout, as the Congress and BJP locked horns again on the electoral battleground in less than a year.

-- According to poll officials, an approximate 69.23 percent of the voters cast their ballot.

-- "This is tentative. It will vary slightly based on the detailed reports of the PRO (Presiding Officer)," an official said.

-- In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the same 14 segments in the first phase had recorded a turnout of 68.80 percent.

JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday alleged that cash and gift vouchers were distributed in Bengaluru Rural constituency, especially in Kanakapura Taluk, a charge rejected by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Kumaraswamy alleged that some supporters of BJP and the JD(S), were attacked in Kanakapura Taluk and their shirts were torn off.

Dismissing the allegation, Shivakumar accused Kumaraswamy of specialising in blame shifting.

Residents of Pavoor Uliya Island, nestled within Mangaluru and surrounded by water, showcased unwavering determination as they embarked on boat journeys to reach polling stations on Friday.

Voting was held for 14 constituencies as part of the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka today. Pavoor Uliya Island comes under Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency.

Despite the absence of a connecting bridge, this resilient community refused to let geographical challenges obstruct their exercise of democratic rights. (PTI)

In an unexpected yet memorable sight in Karkala, Eklavya R Kateel, the eldest son of international sportsperson Rohit Kumar Kateel, captured the attention of the public by arriving at Booth No. 87 at Government Pre-Graduation College astride his own horse to cast his vote.

Eklavya's unique mode of transportation to the polling station in Udupi Chikmagalur constituency surprised and delighted onlookers.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, "All our workers are very enthusiastic. The polling has been extremely favourable to us... The old bastions of the BJP will be broken completely in the second phase of the election and even in the third phase where the rest of Karnataka falls. So overall, in June you'll be quite surprised with the numbers that have been delivered by the Congress for the India Alliance..."

“We will make a list of families of farmers, labourers and workers from every corner of India. Out of the list, we will select one woman from each family and the INDIA (alliance) government will provide them Rs 1 lakh per year.”

Bangalore Rural is witnessing a tough contest between Congress' DK Suresh, MP and brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Dr CN Manjunath, a noted cardiologist and son-in-law of former PM HD Deve Gowda, on a BJP ticket, has recorded 61.78 percent.

A total of 247 candidates -- 226 men and 21 women -- are in the fray for the first phase covering most of the southern and coastal districts, where more than 2.88 crore voters were eligible to exercise their franchise in 30,602 polling stations.

Out of 14 segments that went to polls, the highest turnout of 74.87 percent was recorded in Mandya, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur and Hassan at an identical 72.13 percent, and the least 48.61 percent in Bangalore Central. The turnout was 49.37 per cent in Bangalore South, and 50.04 per cent in Bangalore North

Chikkamagaluru Election Officials have booked an FIR (No. 0042/2024) against CT Ravi, BJP leader for his post on X handle for violation u/s 125 of RP Act and 505(2) of IPC in Basavanahalli PS on April 26 for promoting hatred and enmity between different classes of citizens.

After casting his vote, Karnataka Health Minister and Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “In Karnataka, there is a chance to win more than 20 seats (for Congress). I believe the result will be in our favour after the first voting in the state. This time, we hope to win in the Bengaluru city... Everyone should participate and cast their vote. Generally, the voter turnout is less than 60% in Bengaluru. Voting is necessary for democracy...”

-- Banjarumale, an interior hamlet in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannda district, recorded 100 percent voting in the Lok Sabha election on Friday.

-- This hamlet has 111 voters and each one of them turned up at the only polling booth, completing voting two hours before polling ended at 6pm.

-- The hamlet is inhabited by forest dwellers, tribal farmers and collectors of minor forest waste.

EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district on Friday during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not in the Lok Sabha elections.

According to the district administration, the villagers had earlier in the day decided to boycott the polls citing lack of adequate infrastructure development. However, after assurances and efforts by the local officials, polling went underway.

As per preliminary information, one of the groups wanted to vote while the other was keen to boycott leading to clashes between them during which they destroyed EVMs, and also indulged in stone-pelting.

The voting percentage for the Karnataka Lok Sabha elections till 5 pm stands at 63.90 percent.

Karnataka witnessed a fight between the Congress and the BJP in the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Of the 28 seats, voting to 14 seats began at 7 am on April 26. The Congress contested all 14 seats, whereas the BJP fielded 11 candidates and its ally JD(S) fielded three (Hassan, Mandya and Kolar).

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the alliance of Congress and JD(S) had won just one seat each in these 14 segments while the BJP had won 11.

The Kannada film industry celebrities turned up to vote today, since morning, displaying their commitment to the democratic process. Notably, actor-activist Prakash Raj was among the first to arrive at the polling booth.
"My vote is for the candidate that I have faith in, and secondly for the issues mentioned in the manifesto of the parties. I have voted against the hate and people who are dividing the country. I have voted for a good representative from my constituency," said the actor after casting his franchisee.

Eight senior women officers of the district administration in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar donned specially-designed silk sarees with a message aimed at encouraging voter participation.
Among these women was Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag, who also serves as the Election Officer for the Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency. The message on their sarees read "Chunavana Parva-Deshada Garva" (festival of election is the country's pride), receiving widespread praise for their initiative.

After casting his vote, Actor Shiva Rajkumar says, "I am happy because it is everyone's right to vote. When we vote, we have every right to ask questions... People's response is very good. I think they want a change..."

Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka announces via a social media that a case has been registered against BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. It wrote: “Case is booked against Tejasvi Surya MP and Candidate of Bengaluru South PC on 25.04.24 at Jayanagar PS u/s 123(3) for posting a video in 'X' handle and soliciting votes on the ground of religion.”

Out of 14 constituencies, that went to polls today in Karnataka, the highest turnout of 58.76 percent was recorded in Dakshina Kannada, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 57.49 percent.

The least was 40.10 percent in Bangalore Central. The turnout was 40.77 percent in Bangalore South and 41.12 percent in Bangalore North.

Bangalore Rural that is witnessing a tight contest between Congress' D K Suresh-- MP and brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar-- and Dr CN Manjunath, a noted cardiologist and son-in-law of former PM HD Deve Gowda, on a BJP ticket, has recorded 49.62 percent polling.

Karnataka registered 50.93 percent voter turnout till 3 pm in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

“Congress party has implemented all the promises that were made to the people of Karnataka. Congress party believes in its word. The people of the state are very happy, and it is evident from the voters' turnout. BJP has failed, we will win in the state with a thumping majority,” says Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar

"BJP-JDS will win all 14 seats in this phase (the second phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections)," says former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Karnataka today where he said, “You are seeing the speeches of PM Modi, he is tense. Maybe in a few days, he will shed tears on the stage. He just tries to distract your attention 24 hours...”

JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Friday alleged that cash and gift vouchers were distributed in Bengaluru Rural constituency, especially in Kanakapura Taluk.

D K Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar, is seeking re-election from the seat for the fourth time. NDA, of which JD(S) is a part, has fielded cardiologist Dr C N Manjunath -- brother-in-law of Kumaraswamy and son-in-law of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda -- who is contesting on BJP ticket.

After casting his vote, former cricketer Javagal Srinath said, “It is our right to come and vote. We want people to come out and vote...I am glad that more than 50% of voting has happened so far...I think people should come out. Voting is important...”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Bijapur, Karnataka, outlining promises of the INDIA alliance government. He pledged to introduce a right of apprenticeship program for every graduate, ensuring graduates and diploma holders the right to demand government employment for one year. Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not providing loan waivers to farmers, vowing that the INDIA alliance government would prioritize agricultural support by waiving off farmers' loans.

Udupi Chikmagalur: 46.43%
Hassan: 40.99%
Dakshina Kannada: 48.10%
Chitradurga : 39.05%
Tumkur: 41.91%
Mandya : 40.70%
Mysore: 41.51%
Chamarajanagar: 39.57%
Bengaluru Rural: 36.09%
Bangalore North : 32.25%
Bangalore central : 30.10%
Bangalore South : 31.51%
Chikkballapur: 39.85%
Kolar: 38.42%

Assam 46.31%
Bihar 33.80%
Chhattisgarh 53.09%
Jammu And Kashmir 42.88%
Karnataka 38.23%
Kerala 39.26%
Madhya Pradesh 38.96%
Maharashtra 31.77%
Manipur 54.26%
Rajasthan 40.39%
Tripura 54.47%
Uttar Pradesh 35.73%
West Bengal 47.29%

"After voting at a polling station in Udupi, Karnataka, actor Rakshit Shetty reflected on the election process, stating, 'Each election prompts us to review the past five years and envision the next five. We choose leaders who align with our aspirations for our nation and community.' Meanwhile, Mysuru’s Maharaja and BJP candidate Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Mysuru today."

Following her vote, Aisshwarya DKS Hegde, daughter of Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, emphasizes, "Today is about our nation. When our country prospers, every individual benefits. As an educator, I'm committed to my field. While I have no political aspirations, I believe diverse contributions are vital for India's progress, and I'm proud to contribute in the education sector, which holds immense importance."

Also, Actor Yash casted his vote at a polling booth in Hoskerehalli, Bengaluru.

Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar asserts, "The Prime Minister must recognize his constitutional duty to safeguard all citizens. It's unacceptable to marginalize or target Muslims. Such rhetoric goes against the spirit of our Constitution and is deeply unfair. Every statement must uphold the values enshrined in our Constitution."

Meanwhile, Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep casts his vote in Bengaluru, says, "It is a big day. Voting is a hope, not an assurance. The problems are rising in our country. Now, the request should not be for people to come out to vote but for the political leaders for whom we are voting."

Congress candidate DK Suresh, contesting from Bengaluru Rural Constituency, highlighted the water scarcity issue, stating, "My area is facing severe water scarcity. We have completed 50% of the work to replenish groundwater. Going forward, we plan to construct and reconstruct tanks to replenish them with treated water or groundwater wherever resources permit... In India, we all share a Hindu heritage... Wearing saffron doesn't signify exclusive Hinduism; we too practice our faith daily. This cultural ethos has been inherited from our parents."

Actor Rakshit Shetty exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Udupi, Karnataka, on Friday, participating in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. Similarly, Kris Gopalakrishnan, the co-founder of Infosys, also cast his vote on the same day.

JD(S) Youth Wing President Nikhil Kumaraswamy criticized the Congress, stating, "This is not a new occurrence. Eleven months ago, during the assembly elections, the Congress distributed Rs 5,000 coupon cards in the middle of the night, which was highly regrettable. Now, they have repeated the same action by distributing Rs 10,000 coupon cards. It is unfortunate that the Election Commission has remained silent on this matter. Our party workers have caught Congress members red-handed with these cards in several locations yesterday."

A case has been lodged against BJP candidate K Sudhakar for alleged bribery and exerting undue influence on the electorate, with the Election Commission disclosing the seizure of cash amounting to Rs 4.8 crores on Friday.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Executive Chairperson and Founder of Biocon, proudly displayed her inked finger on social media after voting. In her post, she stated, "As a responsible citizen of our nation, I have exercised my right to vote. Jai Hind!"

The Election Commission of India has established a total of 30,602 polling booths, which include 25 auxiliary booths. To facilitate the smooth conduct of elections, approximately 1.40 lakh polling officers, 5,000 micro observers, and 50,000 civil police officers have been deployed, along with 65 companies of CRPF and Reserved Armed Forces from other states.

In addition to setting up polling stations, the EC has taken proactive measures to address urban apathy and enhance voter turnout. Special efforts have been made to ensure that extreme heatwave conditions do not deter senior citizens and persons with disabilities from participating in the electoral process.

Former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy cast his vote in Ramanagara on Friday. Kumaraswamy had launched scathing attacks on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said that the latter is not committed to any party, but to his chair only.

"In today's Congress government, Siddaramaiah has no control over his cabinet. After the 2024 election results, Siddaramaih will take whatever decision he wants to continue as the Chief Minister. We know his character. He is the product of the Janata Dal. He is not committed to any party but only to his chair. There is no personal opposition against Siddaramaiah but only politically we criticized him. He developed his political strength through our party but has always said that he wants to finish the JD(S)," Kumaraswamy told ANI.

Former Prime Minister and President of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, HD Deve Gowda, has voiced strong criticism against the Congress party's election campaign tactics in Karnataka. Gowda highlighted a particular campaign material featuring Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, denouncing it as misleading.

"Congress has stopped to this level, having the photo of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge making promise...This is with the photo of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Is Rahul Gandhi Prime Minister? Is Kharge Chief Minister or Prime Minister?" asks Gowda.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cast his vote in Varuna under the Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha seat on Friday.

Siddaramaiah had earlier said that there is no "Modi wave" in the coming Lok Sabha elections, and there is enthusiasm among the people in favour of the Congress and its five guarantees in the state. Siddaramaiah had urged the voters of Bangalore South parliamentary segment to defeat BJP candidate and MP Tejasvi Surya to resolve the city’s drinking water issues and to implement the Mekedatu project.

Shivakumar acknowledges the influential role of women voters transcending party lines, expressing gratitude for their support. Addressing first-time voters, particularly the youth, he emphasizes the Congress party's comprehensive manifesto, urging them to usher in change where necessary. He stresses the importance of leveraging the power of the electorate to drive positive transformation in the country.

"Women are cutting across the party line, all of them are favouring us and I thank all of them...For the first-time voters- the youth of this country, I have to say that Congress has put up a beautiful manifesto...You have to make a change as it is needed, you have given 10 years and now let's go for a change," he said.

As the second phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 commences, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, expresses confidence in the state's electoral process. He highlights the significant outcomes achieved since the last elections, affirming that promises made have been fulfilled, eliciting satisfaction among the populace.

Highlighting the prevalence of dynastic politics within the Congress, Surya points out that out of the 28 seats contested in Karnataka, 12 are being sought by the offspring of Congress leaders. He contends that if the Congress truly opposes inheritance in all its forms, then it should halt the political inheritance within dynastic families, including that of the Gandhis. "Out of 28 seats in Karnataka, 12 seats are being contested by the children of Congress leaders. So they are ready for a political inheritance, but when the middle-class common man saves money or assets for his children, then they are coming in between," Surya said.

Furthermore, Surya accuses the Congress of prioritizing certain groups over others, alleging disparity in the treatment of the poor and Muslims. He asserts that the Congress's ideology and vision are marred by inconsistency.

Tejasvi Surya takes a dig at the Congress party's stance on inheritance tax. Surya's remarks come amidst a broader debate over the imposition of inheritance tax, with the Congress advocating for its implementation.

Surya argues that the Congress's position on inheritance tax is riddled with contradictions. He questions why the Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, are inheriting political positions within the party while simultaneously opposing inheritance in other contexts.

The Election Commission of India reported a 9 percent voter turnout across the state by 9 am. The voting process began at 7 am across 14 constituencies in south Karnataka. Among these constituencies, Udupi-Chikmagalur emerged with the highest voter participation, recording a turnout of 12.8 percent by 9 am. Conversely, Mandya and Chamarajanagar witnessed the lowest turnout, both standing at 7.7 percent.

In Bengaluru, the South constituency exhibited the highest participation with 9 percent of registered voters casting their ballots, followed by North with 8.4 percent and Central with 8.14 percent.

Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency has recorded a polling percentage of 12.75% thus far, while Mandya Parliamentary constituency stands at 7.70%. By 9 am, Hassan Lok Sabha segment registered an 8.2% voter turnout. According to Dakshina Kannada DC Mullai Muhilan MP, the tentative voter turnout across the constituency stands at 14.33% as of 9 am. Sullia reported the highest turnout with 16.46%, whereas Moodbidri recorded the lowest at 12.2%.

(Source: Agencies)

Tejasvi Surya also weighed in on Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's expressed intention to discuss their party manifesto with the Prime Minister, interpreting it as an implicit acknowledgement of BJP's enduring influence. He suggested that this gesture indicated Congress's recognition of their limited prospects for power in the foreseeable future. "The fact that Mallikarjun Kharge wants to meet the Prime Minister to explain his party manifesto indicates that perhaps even the Congress realizes that it will be the PM who will implement some good ideas that may be present in the Congress manifesto... Perhaps this is the admission of Congress that they are not coming anywhere near power for the next two decades," remarked Tejasvi Surya.

Witnessing a significant turnout of senior citizens at polling booths, Surya urged the younger generation to emulate their enthusiasm and actively engage in the electoral process. Venting criticism towards the Congress party, Surya characterized their campaign as one borne out of frustration, citing surveys that predict a meager seat tally for the opposition. He pointed out the historical trend where personal attacks on the Prime Minister have only served to enhance BJP's popularity. "Congress party has become frustrated. Survey after survey shows that it may not win more than 30 seats," Surya remarked.

Tejasvi Surya, the BJP candidate from Bengaluru South, underscored the paramount importance of voting, framing it as a celebration of democracy. Surya stressed the dual essence of voting, labeling it both a right and a responsibility, while urging citizens to exercise their franchise, emphasizing that refraining from voting signifies a disservice to democracy. "Today is a celebration day in Karnataka. It is a festival of democracy. Millions of people will go out and vote," remarked Surya.

Ahead of casting his vote in the Lok Sabha polls, BJP candidate Tejasvi Surya offered prayers at his residence. Surya is contesting from the Bengaluru South constituency, where he is pitted against Congress candidate Sowmya Reddy.

Opposition Leader R. Ashok Casts Vote in Bengaluru Rural Constituency Amid Second Phase of Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections.

Amidst the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, Opposition Leader R. Ashok exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bengaluru Rural constituency. With 14 seats up for grabs in the state today, Ashok emphasized the significance of the election, stressing that the electorate, particularly in Karnataka, is inclined towards choosing candidates dedicated to nation-building and development.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Ashok expressed confidence in the electorate's discernment, anticipating their selection of deserving candidates. He extended congratulations to first-time voters, urging them to participate in the electoral process. Observing the turnout, Ashok noted a positive response and anticipated a substantial voter turnout.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Bengaluru North, Shobha Karandlaje, exercised her voting rights at a polling booth in Bengaluru.

In the electoral contest, Karandlaje faces competition from Congress candidate Rajeev Gowda. Expressing her views after casting her vote, Karandlaje stated, "The nation's security and development require the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the third consecutive term. Today, as we participate in this democratic festival, we anticipate securing victory with a significant margin.

Referring to the historical context, Sitharaman warned against the detrimental impact of imposing heavy taxes on wealth creators, stating that it could stall India's progress. She drew attention to the era of the 1960s when the Congress government imposed a 90% tax rate, which she described as emblematic of a socialist model. Sitharaman emphasized the potential regression to such policies if the Congress party were to advocate for similar taxation measures.

Sitharaman criticised the opposition parties for their lack of positive agendas and resorting to personal attacks instead. She particularly spoke against the proposed inheritance tax, which she believes will directly hit the middle and aspirational classes. "It directly gets the middle class, it directly hits the aspirational class, they work hard, sweat and toil of theirs is saved in smaller savings here and there. Or they buy a house or dream house and keep some fixed deposits on this is going to be exposed to so called property tax. After all, Congress's reputation in terms of property tax goes back. And I remember earlier, in 1968, there was a compulsory deposits, where people's deposits were all 18% 20%, something was taken away," said, Sitharaman

She argued that such a tax will discourage wealth creation and ultimately harm India's economy. Sitharaman recalled the mandatory deposits imposed by Congress in 1968, which took away a significant portion of people's savings without any justification. She highlighted that Congress has a history of imposing high taxes, with the highest being 90% during their rule.

Nirmala Sitharaman, after casting her vote in Bengaluru, emphasized the public's desire for a stable government focused on good policies, progress, and development. She highlighted the turnout as indicative of this aspiration. Regarding Prime Minister Modi, she reiterated his commitment to limiting criticism to constructive levels, citing a maximum of 150 as the threshold.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cast her vote at the BES polling booth in Bengaluru. After casting her vote, she said, “People want progress, stability. Last ten years of development is definitely in people’s mind. I am happy for the first time voters.”

Sowmya Reddy, the Congress candidate contesting from Bengaluru South, issued a heartfelt appeal to voters, urging them to exercise their voting rights. She emphasised, "It is not only your right but also your fundamental duty to cast your vote." Reddy stressed the immense responsibility voters hold in selecting the right candidate and party to uphold the Constitution and ensure the formation of a stable, people-centric government.

Following his participation in the electoral process in Bengaluru, actor Prakash Raj articulated the significance of voting, stating, "My vote represents my right and power to select who represents me, who will echo my voice in Parliament." He underscored the importance of selecting a candidate whom one believes in and affirmed his choice based on the candidate's manifesto and the desire for positive change. Raj also highlighted the necessity of moving away from the divisive politics witnessed in the past decade.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by her father, arrived at the BES polling booth in Bengaluru to cast her vote for the Lok Sabha elections.

Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid exercised his voting rights in Bengaluru on Friday morning during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Simultaneously, actor Prakash Raj also cast his vote at a polling station in Bengaluru.

In anticipation of increased travel during the Lok Sabha elections and to alleviate summer travel pressures, railway authorities have announced special train services linking Bengaluru with Mangaluru Central.

- Bengaluru observes three dry days from April 24 to April 26, restricting alcohol purchases.
- Liquor sale ban begins at 5 pm on April 24 and ends at midnight on April 26.
- Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC enforced from 6 pm on April 24 to midnight on April 26.
- Karnataka High Court declares a general holiday for its Benches on April 26 and May 7, along with banks.
- Corporate offices mandated to grant leave for voting; schools and colleges closed on April 26.
- Public transport and hospitals continue regular operations.
- Commercial establishments may open with possible delayed start times to accommodate early voting by eligible employees.

Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, assured the public of thorough preparations for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that arrangements have been meticulously organized over the past two years. Speaking on the readiness of polling stations, he affirmed that all necessary amenities, such as drinking water and fans, have been provided for voters.

Encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic right, Kumar stressed the importance of voter turnout. He assured the public of comprehensive security measures in place, highlighting the presence of security forces at all polling booths.

Despite the absence of any reports of violence, Kumar reiterated the proactive stance of security arrangements, ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the electoral process.

In preparation for the second phase of polling today, the polling booth at Kethaganahalli village in Ramnagar district, Karnataka, is adorned with vibrant balloons and pink banners. Booth number 236 falls within the Bangalore Rural Parliament constituency.

Karnataka is gearing up for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, to be conducted in two phases. The voting will take place in the second and third phases of the General Election, scheduled for April 26 (today) and May 7, respectively.

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy and Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy have reached a polling station to cast their votes. Narayana Murthy expressed, "From a business standpoint, I am at an age where I no longer seek anything from the Government. However, as a citizen, I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote and make informed decisions."

Sudha Murthy remarked, "Today's youth are remarkably astute in selecting the right leaders. At 73, if I can wake up and come to vote, I am confident that all youngsters can do the same."

Mandya: In 2019, independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh emerged victorious with a significant margin. This year, the battle heats up between HD Kumaraswamy of JDS and Venkataramane Gowda of Congress.

Hassan: JDS secured victory in 2019 with Prajwal Revanna as the winner. In the upcoming elections, Revanna faces competition from Shreyas M Patel of Congress.

Bangalore Rural: Congress' DK Suresh clinched the seat in 2019 with a substantial margin. The contest intensifies as Dr. CN Manjunath of BJP challenges Suresh for the constituency.

Bangalore South: BJP's Tejasvi Surya secured a landslide victory in 2019. This time, he faces a challenge from Congress' Sowmya Reddy in what promises to be a closely watched battle.

Bangalore Central: BJP's PC Mohan emerged victorious in 2019. He faces off against Mansoor Ali Khan of Congress, vying for control of the constituency.

Bangalore North: BJP's DV Sadananda Gowda secured the seat comfortably in 2019. Shobha Karandlaje of BJP competes against MV Rajeev Gowda of Congress in this electoral face-off.

Dakshina Kannada: BJP's Nalin Kumar Kateel secured a resounding victory in 2019. In the upcoming elections, Captain Brijesh Chowta of BJP takes on Padmaraj R Poojary of Congress for the parliamentary seat.

In the electoral arena of Bengaluru Rural, the stage is set for a compelling electoral clash between two prominent contenders: DK Suresh of the Congress party and CN Manjunath representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

DK Suresh, seeking re-election, brings with him a significant political pedigree as the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Running on a Congress ticket, he aims to secure another term as the representative of Bengaluru Rural.

Challenging him is CN Manjunath, who enters the fray as the BJP's candidate. Notably, Manjunath holds familial ties to the political sphere as the son-in-law of JDS supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

In the electoral arena of Mandya, a high-profile faceoff is underway between former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) and Venkataramane Gowda representing the Congress.

This electoral battle between two seasoned political figures has captured significant attention, drawing focus not only from local constituents but also from observers across the state. Kumaraswamy, a prominent leader of the JD(S), brings with him a wealth of political experience, having served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Challenging him is Venkataramane Gowda, representing the Congress party, who is seeking to make inroads into Mandya's political landscape.

In the previous Lok Sabha elections held in 2019, Tejasvi Surya of the BJP emerged victorious with a substantial lead of 27.87 per cent against the Congress candidate BK Hariprasad. Surya's triumph not only secured him a seat in the Lok Sabha but also bestowed upon him the distinction of being the youngest BJP MP in the parliamentary body.

It's worth noting the legacy of the late Ananth Kumar, who held this seat for six consecutive terms, further underscoring the significance of Bangalore South in the political landscape of Karnataka. As the electoral battle unfolds, both Surya and Reddy are poised to vigorously contest for the coveted parliamentary seat, promising a riveting showdown for voters and political enthusiasts alike.

In the electoral battleground of Bengaluru South, all eyes are fixed on the fierce showdown between two prominent contenders: BJP's Tejasvi Surya and Congress' Soumya Reddy.

Historically, Bangalore South has remained a stronghold for the BJP, maintaining an unbroken streak of victories since 1991. However, this year's contest has heightened anticipation due to the intense competition between Surya, the youthful face of the BJP, and Reddy, who aims to clinch the parliamentary seat for the Congress.

In the forthcoming Phase-3 of the Lok Sabha elections slated for May 7, a significant electorate comprising 2,59,52,958 individuals will exercise their voting rights across 14 constituencies in north and central Karnataka.

Announcing the details, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Meena, revealed that the constituencies of Chikkodi, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Ballari, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davanagere, and Shimoga will witness polling on the designated day.

Of these electors, there are 1,29,83,406 male voters, 1,29,67,607 female voters, and 1,945 individuals identified as third gender. Additionally, 3,43,966 voters have been classified as People with Disabilities (PwD), while 2,29,263 voters belong to the age group above 85. Notably, there are 6,90,929 first-time voters set to participate in the electoral process.

As the southern states gear up for Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections amidst scorching temperatures, relief from the ongoing heatwave seems elusive despite the onset of rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts indicating the persistence of heatwave conditions across several regions.

Today, Tamil Nadu is expected to experience heatwave conditions, while from Wednesday to Sunday, Interior Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam are anticipated to be gripped by intense heat.

Furthermore, hot and humid weather will prevail over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema today, extending to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Coastal Karnataka until Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a significant weather phenomenon in the form of a trough or wind discontinuity stretching from Maharashtra to Kerala. This fortuitous weather interference is anticipated to bring moderate amounts of rainfall to Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu in the coming week.

According to IMD forecasts, light to moderate showers are likely to affect interior parts of Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday (April 24), with Kerala and Mahe expecting rainfall until Sunday (April 24-28).

In Karnataka's electoral arena, two prominent alliances, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), are set to lock horns in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The NDA, spearheaded primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), boasts a significant presence with 25 candidates contesting from its fold. Additionally, the Janata Dal (Secular) party (JD(S)) contributes three candidates to the NDA's lineup, showcasing a collaborative effort within the alliance.

In contrast, the INDIA bloc is exclusively represented by the Indian National Congress (INC), with all 28 candidates hailing from the party. This underscores the cohesion and unity within the INC as they prepare to face off against their rivals in the electoral battleground.

Phase two, slated for April 26, will witness polling in constituencies including Udupi Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkballapur, and Kolar. Meanwhile, phase three, scheduled for May 7, will cover Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davanagere, and Shimoga.

As the electoral battleground heats up for the upcoming April 26 polls, Bangalore South and Mysuru emerge as key constituencies in the spotlight. In Bangalore South, incumbent Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya is vying for reelection, facing a formidable challenge from Soumya Reddy. Notably, Reddy, the daughter of state minister Ramalinga Reddy, comes with a strong political background, having narrowly missed victory in the 2023 assembly election in Jayanagar by a margin of just 16 votes.

Meanwhile, in Mysuru, the political landscape sees the entry of Yaduveer Wadiyar, the royal scion, into the electoral arena. Wadiyar steps into the fray, poised to replace sitting MP Pratap Simha

Good morning and welcome to Moneycontrol's Live coverage of Karnataka's Lok Sabha Poll Phase 2 voting! We're your go-to source for all the crucial updates and developments straight from the heart of the state. Stay tuned as we bring you real-time insights and key highlights as the electoral process unfolds. Your one-stop destination for everything you need to know about today's voting in Karnataka.