Karnataka Assembly Polls 2023 news highlights: Campaigning for Karnataka Assembly Polls ended yesterday evening on May 8; voting will take place tomorrow on May 10. The electioneering saw political bigwigs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and heavyweights from the Indian National Congress (Congress) hoping to turn the tide in their favour. While the Congress is banking on an anti-incumbency wave that has worked since 1985, the ruling BJP hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity will see them through. The prime minister was part of around 15 public meetings and roadshows over six days, giving the BJP campaign a significant push. A total of 113 seats are needed for a simple majority — a feat BJP has never achieved. In all, there are 2,613 candidates in the fray for the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections after the last date for withdrawal of nominations on May 1. According to the final list of candidates shared by the Election Commission of India (EC), 185 women candidates and one from the ‘Others’ category are contesting. While 224 candidates are from the ruling BJP, the opposition Congress has fielded 223, and the Janata Dal (Secular) has fielded 207 candidates. This is being viewed as a three-way battle between the BJP, Congress and the JD(S). Counting of votes will be completed on May 13.
Stay tuned for the latest news, developments and updates in the run-up to the elections!
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Karnataka elections: All Cong candidates sign a 'pledge' to deliver on the party's '5 guarantees'
A day before Karnataka goes to the polls, all Congress candidates signed a "solemn pledge" to deliver on the "five guarantees" promised by the party to the people of the state if elected.
Karnataka polls: Stage is set for voting tomorrow
Voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A total of 5,31,33,054 electors are eligible to vote in the state's 58,545 polling places, where 2,615 candidates are contesting.
There are 2,67,28,053 male electors, 2,64,00,074 female electors, and 4,927 "others" among the electors, whereas there are 2,430 male candidates, 184 female candidates, and one third-gender candidate among the candidates.
There are 11,71,558 young voters, 5,71,281 people with disabilities (PWDs), and 12,15,920 people over the age of 80. The polling procedure involves approximately 4 lakh polling officials.
During voting, a total of 75,603 Ballot Units (BU), 70,300 Control Units (CU), and 76,202 voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) are expected to be used.
Karnataka polls: IT-BT company CEOs face prosecution for refusal to declare paid holiday on May 10: Bengaluru district election officer
In the wake of increasing complaints from private sector employees particularly in information technology (IT) and biotechnology (BT) companies, the Bengaluru district election officer said CEOs of these companies will be prosecuted if any firm refuses to declare a paid holiday on May 10.
Read here
Karnataka Elections 2023: Cong seeks EC action against PM Modi for his appeals to voters during 'silence period'
Congress party petitioned the Election Commission for action against PM Narendra Modi for his appeals to Karnataka voters that were "in violation" of the model code, calling it "a litmus test" for the poll body's ability and readiness to execute laws.
Karnataka Elections 2023: Assets of re-contesting MLAs in state climb 67% since 2018
The average value of assets of 189 re-contesting MLAs in Karnataka went up 67 percent since 2018, according to a report by the Association of Democratic Reforms, based on self-sworn election affidavits.
The data showed that the average assets of these MLAs increased to about Rs 49 crore in 2023 from Rs 29 crore in 2018. Of these MLAs, the assets of 168 (89 percent) increased in value while those of 21 MLAs declined. Read more here
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Corruption has reached frightening levels, says Contractors Assn
The Karnataka State Contractors' Association has urged citizens to vote according to their conscience, pointing out that corruption in the state has reached scary proportions.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: CEC Kumar urges Karnataka voters to vote in huge numbers
On the eve of voting in Karnataka, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar urged people, particularly first-time voters, to turn out in big numbers.
Karnataka has around 5.3 crore electors in 224 constituencies, including 11.71 lakh first-time voters.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: As Karnataka votes, stakes high for BJP and higher for Congress
After an intense and occasionally contentious campaign that saw the "entry" of Lord Hanuman in the final leg of the electoral battle fought as much on issues of governance as on ideology, the stakes are high for the BJP and higher still for the Congress as people vote to elect a new government in Karnataka on Wednesday.
The incumbent rode the "double engine" narrative to seek another term in order to advance Karnataka's development. If the Congress gave the impression that it was taking the fight to the opposition by raising the stakes regarding alleged corruption under the BJP government, which was led first by B S Yediyurappa and then by Basavaraj Bommai, the party raised the volume with its loud "40 per cent sarkara" plank.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: SC takes exception to political remarks in regards to Karnataka Muslim quota case
The Supreme Court today expressed significant disapproval of any political statements made in connection with a lawsuit involving the removal of the 4% Muslim reservation in Karnataka. The top court stated that greater sanctity must be upheld when there is a judicial ruling while deferring till July the appeals of the Karnataka government's decision to abolish the long-standing 4% OBC reservation for Muslims in the state.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: People will change current govt and bring Congress govt, says former CM Siddaramaiah
"I think people will change the current govt and will bring the Congress govt. People are very enthusiastic to vote for Congress party," says Former Karnataka CM and Congress leader Siddaramaiah.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Goa govt declares paid holiday on Karnataka election day; Opposition and industry bodies fume
In anticipation of the Assembly elections due in adjacent Karnataka, the BJP government in Goa has proclaimed May 10 a paid vacation that will also apply to private companies and industrial workers. Opposition parties and business organisations, however, have not been pleased with the Pramod Sawant government's choice.
State Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho defended the move on Tuesday, pointing out that Goa's Assembly elections last year coincided with paid vacation time granted by the Karnataka government. Read more.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Complaint filed against CM Bommai by Congress leader over tender
Congress leader Ramesh Babu on Tuesday said he filed a complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Health Minister Dr K. Sudhakar, among others, with the Lokayukta regarding a tender transaction. “They overlooked all the parameters and gave the tender for the emergency service of the health department of Karnataka amounting to ₹1260 crore to a company that doesn’t have any background in health issues,” he said.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Karnataka polls will be key for Congress' revival ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections
Gaining control from the BJP will give the Congress more confidence, be crucial to resurrecting its electoral prospects, and reinforce its position as the major opponent to the saffron party before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The party hopes to gain momentum for later this year's elections in the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan by winning Karnataka. This will help the party recover from recent defeats in the North-Eastern states.
The Congress initially had its campaign conducted by its state leaders, and it mostly concentrated on local matters. However, its top officials, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge
MC | Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Six important questions answered
Karnataka votes tomorrow for 224 assembly seats, ending a high-stakes contest that saw the ruling BJP going all out to break a 38-year-old jinx and retain power in its only southern state.
Read more to find what you need to know.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: "I filed a complaint against Bommai, Health Minister," says Cong leader Ramesh Babu
Today, I filed a complaint against the Chief Minister of Karnataka Basavaraj Bommai, the Health Minister of Karnataka K. Sudhakar, the health department's Principal Secretary and other officers of the health department to the Lokayukta regarding a tender transaction. They overlooked all the parameters & gave the tender for the emergency service of the health department of Karnataka amounting to Rs 1260 crore to a company that doesn’t have any background in health issues says Congress leader Ramesh Babu
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: K'taka Cong Prez DK Shivakumar visits Chamundeshwari Temple
Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar along with former CM and LoP Siddaramaiah visited Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: BJP Karnataka state secretary Keshav Prasad claims Congress ad is 'defamatory'
"Today, we are complaining about the ad given by the Congress party in leading newspapers from 5th May onwards. So we have brought the case before the court stating that the ad is malicious and defamatory in nature and will cause harm to BJP. That’s why we have given notice to the Congress party," Keshav Prasad said.
"The Election Commission has also notified the Congress party to withdraw the ad. But till today they haven’t done that, so we are filing a criminal defamation case against them. Rahul Gandhi has also tweeted about this so, he is also made a party in this," Keshav Prasad, Karnataka state secretary of the BJP told ANI
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023:
Poll officials cast vote through the postal ballot in Bengaluru, a day ahead of Karnataka Assembly elections.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Agencies seized over Rs 375 crore worth of liquor, drubgs, freebies says EC
The Election Commission claimed that enforcement agencies in poll-bound Karnataka seized over Rs 375 crore worth of liquor, drugs, freebies. "The recorded seizures in the state mark a significant 4.5 times increase as compared to assembly election in 2018," the EC said.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: 'Karnataka people have already decided to vote for BJP says Karnataka CM Basavraj Bommai
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Ahead of polls, PM Modi writes an open letter to the public
As Karnataka gears up for Assembly elections on May 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote an open letter to the people of the state, highlighting his party's commitment to Karnataka's growth and development. In the open letter, Modi thanked the people of Karnataka for their love and affection and expressed his desire to see Karnataka lead the movement towards a developed India.
Read here
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: PM Modi writes an open letter to the people of K'taka
A day before the Assembly elections in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued an open letter to the people of the state and talked about Karnataka's importance in India's journey to being one of the top three economies of the world.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: PM Modi writes an open letter to the people of K'taka
Prime Minister Modi wrote an open letter to the people of Karnataka a day before the state Assembly polls, the PM talked about the BJP's vision to develop the state.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: 'Cong will romp home in Karnataka', says Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Congress will win the Karnataka assembly elections with a thumping majority. Speaking to reporters in Udaipur, Gehlot said, "It seems that the elections will be won with a huge majority." He also asserted that in Rajasthan the Congress government will return to power after the polls. “When sentiments arise in the public, no one can stop (us) from forming government...whether it is Amit Shah or Narendra Modi, no matter who comes,” he said.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: EC officials ask VHP members to stop 'Hanuman Chalisa' recitation outside temple in Vijaya Nagar
Officials from the Election Commission asked VHP members to stop chanting the Hanuman Chalisa' outside a temple in Vijaya Nagar, as a gathering of more than five persons is not allowed and warned them of action if they continue their program, citing imposition of Section 144
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Karnataka Cong Prez DK Shivakumar offers prayers at Anjaneya Swami Temple
Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar offered prayers at Anjaneya Swami Temple in Bengaluru's KR market area one day before the Assembly polls
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Supreme Court hearing against scrapping of OBC reservation for Muslims adjourned
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of a plea challenging Karnataka govt decision scrapping 4% OBC reservation for Muslims, Karnataka govt assured the court again that no admissions or appointments will be made till the next date of hearing.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Karnataka gears up for the Assembly Polls
With the stakes being high in this election, the major political parties in contention – the BJP, Congress, and JD(S) – and their candidates have made a strong pitch seeking to boost their prospects at the hustings. Here's a snapshot detailing some important numbers ahead of the Karnataka election
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023: Modi met 3,000 people in 7 days of campaign blitz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign blitz in Karnataka saw him meet close to 3,000 party workers and prominent citizens over the past week, sources told PTI. They added that the PM held interacted with around 430 people on May 7, and 300 on May 5. Modi also addressed 18 rallies, and 6 roadshows in the southern state.
"The selection of people who met him during the campaign was done meticulously to ensure a good mix of party workers, professionals and prominent citizens of the city. He also met Padma awardees during one of his such interactions," the sources added.
Karnataka Assembly Elections 2023 LIVE: Only door-to-door campaigning allowed today
All three major parties in Karnataka are looking to be victorious in the state. Official campaiging ended on May 8. But, parties are only allowed to hold door-to-door meets today, on May 9, a day ahead of the May 10th elections.
Notably, over the past weeks, political parties and their star campaigners have been on a electioneering blitz. The ruling BJP is striving to break the 38-year-old pattern of alternating governments and retain its southern citadel; while the Congress is working hard to wrest power and make room for itself as main opposition ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls; and the JD(S), led by former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, is looking to be the new 'king'.
Stage set for Karnataka poll battle as campaigning comes to a close
The high decibel campaigning for the Karnataka Assembly Polls, which saw parties bring out their star campaigners finally winded down in the evening on May 8. The stage is now set for the 'ballot battle' on May 10. The stakes are high this election: BJP is looking to keep charge, the Congress is looking for a Lok Sabha boost and the JD(S) is fighting for national relevance.
Karnataka sovereignty remark: BJP seeks Cong derecognition, FIR against Sonia; EC asks INC chief to rectify
As the row over Karnataka's "sovereignty" remark escalated with the BJP on Monday moving the Election Commission seeking an FIR against Sonia Gandhi and her party's derecognition, the poll panel asked the Congress to clarify and rectify the party's social media post attributed to Gandhi.
The EC sent a letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge after the BJP complaint regarding a tweet that appeared on the official Twitter handle of the Indian National Congress on May 6.
Karnataka Elections: Goa government declares holiday on Karnataka election day, protests voiced
The Pamod Sawant-led BJP government in Goa has declared May 10 -- date of the Karnataka Assembly Election -- as a paid holiday, to much displeasure, PTI reported. The paid leave includes industrial workers and private sector employees, besides government workers. "It is a practice to give a holiday when there are elections in neighbouring states. A holiday was declared in Karnataka on the day of polling in Goa last year too," a senior official from the Goa CMO told PTI.
However, protests from industry bodies and the Opposition has been swift. The Goa Forward Party (GFP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Goa unit have criticised the move as "foolish"; while the Goa State Industries Association said they may take legal steps.
Karnataka Elections: Heavy rains, bad weather may play spoilsport on poll day
There is big worry that bad weather may play spoilsport on May 10 - the assembly election date in parts of Karnataka; after many south Bengaluru areas battled heavy showers, flooding and traffic jams in the evening on May 8. Areas affected included Bannerghatta Road, JP Nagar, Giri Nagar, Basavanagudi and Banashankari.
The meteorological department has predicted the possibility of rain till May 14 due to cyclone 'Mocha'. For May 10 (election day), the Met department has issued forecast of a "generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rains or thundershowers." But heavy rain is likely to give jitters to both ruling and opposition parties.
Karnataka Polls 2023: Over Rs 375 crore seized by enforcement teams
More than Rs 375 crore has been seized by enforcement teams in poll-bound Karnataka since the model code of conduct came into force on March 29, according to the Election Commission. FIRs for seizers and related cases have reached 2,896, it added
The Rs 375.6 crore seizures include Rs 147 crore in cash; Rs 84 crore worth liquor; Rs 97 crore worth of gold and silver; Rs 24 crore of freebies; and Rs 24 crore worth of drugs and narcotics, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer said.
‘Congress most corrupt’ advertisement: EC notice to Karnataka BJP
Election Commission asks Karnataka BJP to provide verifiable, traceable facts by Tuesday to prove allegations levelled against the Congress passport.
The EC said: “While general claims and accusations are part of election campaigns, specific allegations and claims about the opponents need to be supported by verifiable and traceable facts. Any claim made without basis and empirical evidence has potential of misleading the voters thereby robbing them of their right of making right and informed choices amongst the candidate thus disturbing level playing field.”
LIVE:
Good morning and welcome to Moneycontrol's LIVE coverage ahead of the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Election on May 10. Last day of campaigning was yesterday, May 8; while counting of votes will take place on May 13.
Stay tuned for the latest news, developments and updates from the EC, parties, candidates and more!
