The high-voltage Karnataka election began today, May 10, 2023, at 7 am and will go on till 6 pm. Agencies such as Matrize, CVoter, Lokniti-CSDS, Axis My India, and Today’s Chanakya may release their exit poll results on TV channels as soon as the voting is over. Polling is being held for 224 assembly seats in Karnataka, in which 2,615 candidates are in the fray.
Zee News will publish the digital exit poll results, while its television news channel Zee News will telecast the predictions. The results of the assembly elections will be declared on Saturday, May 13.
Meanwhile, after casting his vote in the assembly elections at Shiggaon in Haveri district, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was quoted as saying by ANI, “I have voted and done my duty towards democracy. Voting in my constituency is for me.” Good luck. I will.” Record win. People of Karnataka will vote for positive development and BJP will get a comfortable majority. I urge people to cast their vote. The way people have reacted. I appeal to the people to come and vote for the development of Karnataka.”
Around 7.83 per cent polling was recorded till 9 am in the state. Udupi recorded the highest voter turnout of 30.26 per cent till 11 am today, the Election Commission said. According to the Election Commission, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Central recorded 19.30 percent voting, while 18.34 percent in BBMP (North), 19.18 percent in BBMP (South), 23.44 percent in Bagalkot, Bangalore Rural till 11 am 20.23 per cent, Bangalore Urban 17.72 per cent, Belgaum at 20.76 and Bellary at 23.56 per cent.
These assembly elections are a crucial test for the ruling BJP, which is hoping to beat precedent and return to power, as well as for the Congress, which is looking for an electoral resurgence. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this election is being considered as a litmus test for both the parties. Several prominent leaders including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Minister of State K Sudhakar and Congress state president DK Shivakumar were among the early voters in today’s election.
Unique scenes emerged from different parts of the state (or country) as voters and politicians enthusiastically participated in this biggest event of democracy. From couples casting their votes after getting married a few hours ago, to Congress workers offering to pay for LPG gas cylinders, the polling day has been colourful.