Bengaluru: The much-anticipated Karnataka Assembly elections kicked off today morning at 7AM and only 20.99 per cent voters casted their votes in first half. The polls would seal the electoral fates of 2,615 candidates across parties in 224 assembly constituencies. While stakes for BJP and Congress are high, today’s polling is witnessing unique sights as even political parties keep up the tempo and fire salvos at each other.
As 5.3 crores eligible voters are expected to exercise their rights, a voter turnout of 8.26 per cent was recorded in first two hours of the polling, reported Election Commission. “Today is the poll day for all 224 assembly constituencies in Karnataka. Voting is your right and your duty. don’t forget to cast your valuable vote”, tweeted the Election Commission of India urging voters to cast vote.
A total of 42,48,028 new voters have been registered to vote for assembly elections. The voting will continue till 6 PM today and the majority mark to form the government is 113 seats.
The high-voltage campaign for assembly elections in Karnataka ended on Monday with all party leaders including PM Modi holding 19 public meetings and 6 roadshows while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi camped in state for 12 days. Today Congress workers were seen putting garlands around LPG cylinder and burnt incense stick near it in Bengaluru’s Rajarjeshwari Nagar area.