Karnataka Election 2018: About 70 per cent polling was today recorded in Karnataka, which is witnessing a three-cornered contest among the ruling Congress, the BJP and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda's JD(S). Election authorities said "moderate to brisk" voting has been witnessed in 222 out of 224 seats where polling began at 7 am.
There were reports about a delay in polling due to some technical issues with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) from different parts of the state. Suspecting something fishy, both Congress and BJP have pointed accusing fingers at each other in the matter. Re-polling would take place in Hebbal assembly constituency's Polling Station Number 2 after polling was stopped due to EVM failure.
Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray-- more than 2,400 men and over 200 women.
The total voters including service electors according to the 2018 final rolls are 5,06,90,538, of whom 2,56,75,579 male voters, 2,50,09,904 female and 5,055 transgender voters.
Karnataka exit poll 2018: Exit polls have predicted that there will a hung assembly in Karnataka and JD(S) will be the kingmaker. Chanakya Exit polls indicated a clear victory for BJP with 120 seats, followed by Congress with 73 seats and JD(S) 26. India Today-Axis My India Exit Poll data indicates 106-118 seats for Congress, BJP 79-92, followed by JD(S) with 22-30 seats.
Click here to read our full coverage on Karnataka exit polls 2018 In order to win, a party requires 113 seats. Karnataka Assembly Election 2018 result would be announced on May 15.