Karnataka election 2023 live updates: Karnataka Assembly polls will be held in single phase on May 10, and the results will be out May 13, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The state is being seen as the first big poll battle in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, that will see PM Narendra Modi and the BJP eyeing a third straight term at the Centre. Karnataka is the only state in the south where the BJP has been in power, and in the 2018 election, it emerged as the single-largest party, winning 104 seats in the 224-member assembly.
Here are the important dates
--Issue of notification: April 13, 2013
--Last date for making nominations: April 20
--Scrutiny of nominations: April 21
--Last date for withdrawal of candidatures: April 24
--Date of poll: May 10
--Counting of votes: May 13
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Karnataka election updates: Some facts listed by Election Commission
--5.21 crores in the state and the number of 100 plus voters is 16,976.
--58,000 polling stations would be set up across the state.
--224 Assembly constituencies of which 36 are reserved for the SCs and 15 for the STs.
--The total number of 80 plus electors is 12.15 lakhs.
---The number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) has increased to 5.55 lakhs
--First-time voters have increased from 2018-19 by 9.17 lakhs in Karnataka.
--The average number of electors per polling station comes to 883.
--There would be 240 model polling stations which will be made eco-friendly and green booths. 100 booths would be managed purely by persons with disability
Karnataka election updates: Save the date
Elections will be held in 224 constituencies. The tenure of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on May 24. The previous assembly elections were held in May 2018.
For informed voting, all the information including “Criminal Antecedents” of the candidates, if any, is available on the KYC App of ECI and https://affidavit.eci.gov.in portal
Results on May 13 in high-stakes battle between BJP and Congress
The BJP, led by Basavaraj Bommai, is fighting charges of corruption and communal polarisation. The election will also be a test for the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his policies.
Karnataka election updates: Increased vigil to curb money power
More vigil in place this year to curb misuse of money power. 2,400 static surveillance teams to keep strict eye. Monitoring on 171 interstate check posts in 19 districts (sharing borders with other states). Multiple agencies working in synergy and coordination
Karnataka election updates: Webcasting facility
For the upcoming assembly elections in #Karnataka, 58,282 polling stations will be set up in 224 ACs. The average voter per PS is 883. 50% of polling stations have a webcasting facility. For an enhanced voter experience, 1320 polling stations will be managed by women officials.
Karnataka election live updates: EC gives guidelines on illegal money
All landing strips and airports to be checked in Karnataka to avoid use of money during polls
36 reserved for SCs and 15 for STs, says EC on Karnataka elections
Out of 224 assembly constituencies, 36 reserved for SCs and 15 reserved for STs. Facilities will be provided for senior citizens and PwD voters. For the first time, home voting facility given for 12.15 lakh 80 years+ and 5.55 lakh benchmarked PwD voters
How Karnataka's Urban crowd stacks up in elections
EC highlights urban apathy in Karnataka
Urban Apathy is a cause of concern. 4 districts in India’s IT Hub had the lowest voter turnout in 2013 & 2018 Karnataka Assembly Elections, much less than the state average. 88% of PS in these 4 districts are in urban areas
100% enrollment of eligible (18+) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Karnataka
For inclusive and participative elections, 100% enrollment of eligible (18+) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Karnataka. 40 Ethnic PS to be set up for PVTGs. Special emphasis on the participation of the third gender in the election process.
Karnataka election updates: Here is what EC has to say
Over 9.17 lakh first-time voters to participate in this year's elections in Karnataka. Also under Advance Application Facility, over 1.25 lakh applications were received from 17 years+ youth, out of which around 41,000 applications received from youth turning 18 years by April 1st, 2023
Karnataka election udpates: Some fast facts on the state, by EC
--A special outreach programme created for particularly vulnerable tribal groups
--Persons with disabilities, people over 80 years of age can vote from home in a first
--Total voters in the State are 5.21 crores
--2.62 crores male voters, and 2.59 crores female voters
Karnataka elections live updates: Few facts from EC
First time voters in Karnataka has increased by 1.87 lakhs from 2018-19
Karnataka election live updates: Sooner BJP govt is dismissed, better for state, says DK Shivakumar
State Congress chief DK Shivakumar lashed out at the Basavaraj Bommai government saying that the earlier it is dismissed, the better it is for the state.
Shivakumar expressed confidence in the Congress's preparedness for the Assembly elections ahead of the announcement of the schedule for the polls today by the Election Commission
Karnataka election live updates: What happened in last polls
The Karnataka Assembly elections were conducted in 2018 in one phase, and the timetable for it was declared on March 27 of that year. On May 12, the voting for the election occurred, and on May 15, the outcome was declared. In the 224-seat Karnataka assembly polls, the total participation rate was marginally above 72 per cent. The Bharatiya Janata Party won 104 seats, while the Congress obtained 80 seats, and the JDS secured 37 seats.
Karnataka elections live updates: BJP MLA Virupakshappa sent to Lokayukta police custody for 5 days in bribery case
A Special Court sent Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa to Lokayukta police custody for five days in connection with a corruption case. Judge B Jayant Kumar gave the order. Virupakshappa was arrested near Kyathasandra toll plaza in Tumakuru on March 27, in a bribery case, after his bail application was rejected by Karnataka High Court.
Karnataka elections live updates: Cong calls attack on Yediyurappa's house a conspiracy
Days after stones were pelted at former chief minister BS Yediyurappa's office and house during a protest staged by Banjara and Bhovi communities, the Karnataka unit of congress on Tuesday said the attack could be a "conspiracy" by BL Santosh, organisation General secretary of BJP and held him indirectly "responsible" for Monday's episode.
Karnataka election live updates: All about Karnataka CM, BS Bommai
--He took over in July 2021, replacing former CM and party strongman BS Yediyurappa.
--A three-time assembly winner, Shiggaon is Bommai's stronghold, winning the seat in 2008 and retaining it in 2013 and 2018.
--The state CM belongs to the Lingayat community and holds a degree in mechanical engineering.
--He had worked at Tata Motors in Pune for three years.
Former BJP minister Baburao Chinchansur joins Congress
Former BJP MLC Baburao Chinchansur joined the Congress two days after resigning from the Karnataka legislative council. He joined the party in the presence of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief DK Shivakumar in Bengaluru. Baburao has joined the party as the state party president.
Karnataka election live updates: Poll move before the big show
Karnataka has submitted a proposal for the inclusion of Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation in Posts in Educational Institutions and Appointments or Posts in State Services) Act, 2022 in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections.
Karnataka election updates: Who all are there in Congress list?
The names of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and State party president DK Shivakumar are included in the first list of 124 candidates. Siddaramaiah will be contesting from the Varuna while DK Shivakumar would be the candidate from Kanakapura.Siddaramaiah had earlier expressed his interest to contest from the Kolar constituency but the Congress High Command instructed him to drop the plan following disagreements between the party's local leaders in the constituency. The party has fielded M Roopakala from the Kolar Gold Field constituency.
Karnataka election updates: Why this state is so tough to crack?
The last time a ruling party won was in 1985, which was 37 years ago. Over the course of 7 straight elections, ruling parties have been removed from power. Even if they did a good job, they were still dismissed. One of the reasons for this is the presence of three major parties competing in elections since the 1990s, making it difficult for any single party to secure a majority.
Karnataka election updates: Kumaraswamy promises subsidy on cylinders
Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamyhas promised 50 per cent subsidy on cooking gas cylinders if voted to power. Taking a jab at the centre for rising gas prices, he saidit was impossible for poor people to survive, adding that atotal of five cylinders per year will be distributed for free. State's auto drivers will be paid Rs 2,000 per month and the party will workto fulfil the permanent demand of Anganwadi workers.
Karnataka elections 2023 live updates: JD(S), the kingmaker?
The JD-S, led by former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, may hold the key to the election outcome. They have maintained an equal distance from both the BJP and Congress and focused on issues such as farmers' welfare, regional development, and social justice, while expanding beyond their traditional stronghold.
Karnataka election live updates: BJP vs Congress, how they stack up
In the Karnataka assembly, the BJP holds the majority with 121 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 70 and the JD-S with 30. The BJP experienced a change in Chief Minister during their tenure, with BS Yediyurappa stepping down in July 2021 and being succeeded by Basavaraj Bommai.
In contrast, the Congress is aiming to regain control of Karnataka, a former stronghold of the party. They have put forward their former CM Siddaramaiah as their candidate for Chief Minister, while also highlighting the role of their state unit president DK Shivakumar.
Karnataka election date updates: Close fight between BJP and Congress
The Election Commission is set to announce dates for the Karnataka election today.
The election is due to be held by May.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has 224 members
The ruling BJP and opposition Congress are expected to have a close contest.
The Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) may play a kingmaker role in the election.