Karnataka Assembly Election 2023 highlights: Eelection Commission notice to Congress on its 'corruption rate card' ads
As rallies continue before the final day for campaigning, PM Modi held a 26-km roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday. Follow for the latest updates.
Karnataka Assembly Election 2023 LIVE Updates: As Karnataka is set to vote in less than a week, all major political parties are busy with campaigns, rallies and roadshows, with prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi touring the state.
The BJP is looking for a final push before the last day for campaigning, with PM Modi's mega rally in Karnataka capital Bengaluru over the weekend.
The state is also reeling with a controversy over the recently-released Congress manifesto, which vowed to ban groups such as the Bajrang Dal. In response, BJP leaders have begun chanting ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ at rallies, with members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal holding protests.
Several leaders including union minister Shobha Karandlaje have also recited the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ in opposition to the Congress' manifesto. Meanwhile, the Congress party back peddled and said they only meant to say that organizations like PFI and the Bajrang Dal are disturbing law and order in the state.
KPCC chief DK Shivakumar also visited temples and promised to build Hanuman temples in the event of the Congress coming to power in the southern state.
Karnataka will vote on Wednesday, with results due to be released on May 13.
Follow all the updates here:
- May 06, 2023 08:03 PM IST
Getting rid of BJP's loot, lies will lead to Karnataka to progress: Sonia Gandhi
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Hubballi said, “Without getting rid of the kind of atmosphere created by the loot, lies, arrogance and hatred of BJP government, neither Karnataka can progress nor the country can progress. These people give threats openly like if BJP loses elections then Karnataka will not get PM Modi's blessing. I want to tell them that Karnataka's people are not so cowardly and greedy. According to them (BJP) people's future is dependent on the blessings of the government.” (ANI)
- May 06, 2023 07:42 PM IST
'BJP thinks democracy is in their pockets': Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in Hubballi
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday during an election rally in Karnataka's Hubballi said that BJP does not reply to any questions and said “they think democracy is in their pockets, Does democracy work like this?"
- May 06, 2023 07:17 PM IST
Election Commission issues notice to Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar over BJP's complaint
The Election Commission of India has issued a notice to Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar following a complaint received from the BJP regarding a newspaper advertisement. The BJP had alleged that the advertisement contained unsubstantiated but specific information.
The Congress has been given time until 7 pm on May 7 to provide empirical evidence for the alleged rates cited in the advertisement for appointments, transfers, kinds of jobs, and commissions thereof.
- May 06, 2023 06:47 PM IST
Uniform Civil Code will help Muslim women, daughters, says Assam CM Himanta in Karnataka
Assam chief minsiter and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said that there is need to make “Uniform Civil Code” to help Muslim women and daughters who are made to marry over four times.
“Muslim daughters should be made doctors, and engineers, not child-producing machines,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said in Karnataka poll rally.
- May 06, 2023 06:30 PM IST
Bring back double-engine govt, end unrighteous deeds of Congress and JDS: Yogi in Udupi roadshow
Uttar Pradesh chief minsiter and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath at a roadshow in poll-bound Karnataka's Udupi said, “Just like Lord Hanuman contributed to ending all unrighteous deeds of Ravan, similarly, the people of Karnataka can bring back the double engine BJP government in Karnataka and end the unrighteous deeds of Congress and JDS of promoting PFI.” (ANI)
- May 06, 2023 06:26 PM IST
PM Modi in Haveri poll rally says ‘Congress goes with ‘divide, rule’ policy’
“Congress means ‘85% commission’ and it surrenders to terror; it's party of appeasement and of 'divide and rule,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quoted as saying in Haveri poll rally by PTI.
- May 06, 2023 06:19 PM IST
Congress' promise of ending poverty ‘biggest fraud’: PM Modi in Haveri rally
Prime Narendra Modi in Haveri said that Congress party's promise of ending poverty has been “biggest fraud” and that it is still going on, PTI reported.
- May 06, 2023 06:07 PM IST
Haveri being benifitted from ‘double-engine govt’, says PM Modi
PM Modi in an election campaign in Karnataka's Haveri said that the district is moving ahead to write a story of development and that the Yediyurappa & Bommai led double-engine government brought new medical & engineering colleges and a new milk plant, ANI reported.
“The BJP government is investing in road, rail & connectivity infrastructure. People of Haveri, Karnataka & the whole country are being benefitted from these works,”Modi further said.
- May 06, 2023 05:52 PM IST
‘Congress lies are lost in the BJP wave’: PM Modi in Karnataka's Haveri
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a public rally in Karnataka's Haveri said, “In Karnataka the people of Congress who were trying to make their party's wave through lies, their lies are now lost in the BJP wave. Those who think Congress still has something left in Karnataka please come & see...the OBC & Lingayat community is very sad & angry with the abuse by senior leaders of Congress.” (ANI)
- May 06, 2023 05:27 PM IST
Cong parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives in Hubbali
Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday arrived in Karnataka's Hubbali where she will address a public rally and campaign for the state assembly election.
- May 06, 2023 05:00 PM IST
PM Modi attacks Cong over data prices before 2014
PM Modi attacked the Congress party during his speech in Badami, saying,“Before 2014, during the Congress government, 1 GB (mobile phone) data cost around ₹300. In the BJP government, the cost of 1 GB data has come down to ₹10.”
- May 06, 2023 04:44 PM IST
Cong will not leave old habit of appeasement politics, says PM Modi
PM Modi on Saturday took a jibe at Congress and said, "Congress will not leave the old habit of appeasement politics, vote bank politics, closing the schemes of the BJP government and abusing the Lingayat and OBC community and then if they have nothing to do then abusing PM Modi. The whole of Karnataka is sad with Congress' diplomacy."
- May 06, 2023 04:15 PM IST
'Siddaramaiah left this constituency because…': PM Modi's jibe in Badami
PM Narendra Modi threw a jibe at opposition leader and former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah while addressing the public in Badami, saying that he left the constituency because he has understood which side the wave is on.
“Siddaramaiah has left this constituency because he has understood the wave. I want the people of Karnataka to ask Siddaramaiah that why the poor people of this area were deprived of all the facilities. Around 3 lakh families of Bagalkote got tap water facility for the first time because of double engine government,” he said.
- May 06, 2023 04:04 PM IST
Cong has a track record of 85 % commission, says PM Modi in Badami
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in Karnataka's Badami on Saturday afternoon, where he said, "Congress party has a track record of “85 % commission”, they can never work to serve people. It is the election where people of Karnataka are fighting on behalf of BJP. Our "double-engine" government has been working on bringing in development without discrimination."
- May 06, 2023 03:35 PM IST
JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Chintamani, Karnataka
BJP national president JP Nadda holds a roadshow at Chintamani in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka. Supporters gathered in large numbers, visuals showed. Other prominent BJP leaders including union home minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi are in the state for campaigns as well.
- May 06, 2023 03:06 PM IST
Will probe audio recording's authenticity: CM on Congress charge of 'Kharge assassination plot'
Karnataka CM Bommai on Saturday said an investigation would be conducted to find out the authenticity of the audio recording regarding the alleged plot to kill Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge and his family. “I do not know about the audio. That will be investigated. We will take it seriously and get it investigated," he said. (PTI)
- May 06, 2023 02:34 PM IST
Priyanka Gandhi to address public meeting at Mulki on May 7
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be arriving in Mangaluru for an election campaign on Sunday, the party said. She will be addressing a public meeting at the Kolnad grounds in Mulki. (PTI)
- May 06, 2023 01:45 PM IST
‘Cong insulted Savarkar, BJP built Ram temple’: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said, “BJP has worked for the farmers here. We have given several benefits to the farmers. Congress insulted Savarkar. But BJP developed the Marathas and respected them...PM Modi fulfilled the dreams of Lord Ram devotees by constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya.”
- May 06, 2023 01:39 PM IST
Cong insulted Lord Bajrangbali, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Karnataka's Belagavi on Saturday, where he said the Congress party has insulted Lord Bajarang Bali. “No one has trust in Rahul Gandhi's guarantees. They were defeated in states like Tripura, Assam, and Nagaland. It's BJP who banned PFI and gave ration to the public, gave water facilities and health facilities. The double-engine government has worked for the benefit of the people,” he said.
- May 06, 2023 01:00 PM IST
No truth in media stories of infighting, says DK Shivakumar on CM race
DK Shivakumar quashed rumours of infighting within the party and said, “No truth in media stories of infighting; Congress leadership is united and putting in combined effort for clear majority in Karnataka. First priority is to ensure Congress wins in Karnataka. We will abide by whatever party decides on CM issue.”
- May 06, 2023 12:56 PM IST
Cong will win 140 seats, BJP will be reduced to less than 60, says DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Saturday exuded confidence in his party and said it will win over 140 seats in the upcoming assembly polls. “Congress will win over 140 seats in Karnataka assembly polls; BJP will be reduced to less than 60. Win in Karnataka will open doors for party for Lok Sabha polls, people of state will give a message to the country,” he said.
- May 06, 2023 12:37 PM IST
Will take matter seriously, CM Bommai says on Kharge assassination plot
Karnataka CM Bommai on Saturday addressed the Congress' allegation that the BJP has hatched a plot to assassinate their party president Mallikarjun Kharge and his entire family, saying that the matter will be taken seriously.
"We will take the matter seriously. We will inquire into the whole thing and the law will take its action," CM Bommai said.
- May 06, 2023 12:14 PM IST
DK Shivakumar is family member of Tipu Sultan, says Assam CM Sarma in Karnataka
While Bengaluru reeled with PM Modi's roadshow, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed a crowd in Karnataka's Gonikoppa and attacked state Congress chief DK Shivakumar, saying that he is a family member of 17th Century Mysuru ruler Tipu Sultan.
"DK Shivakumar is a family member of Tipu Sultan. If Congress will regain power, Karnataka will become a PFI valley," he said.
- May 06, 2023 11:35 AM IST
BJP supporters dress up in lord Hanuman, folk dance costumes
Supporters of the BJP show up dressed in costumes of lord Hanuman and other characters from local folk dance styles at PM Modi's mega roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday morning.
PM Modi covered areas of JP Nagar, RBI Layout, Jayanagar 4th block and South End circle thus far. He is set to travel through 26 kilometres today till 1 pm.
- May 06, 2023 10:34 AM IST
PM Modi starts mega roadshow in Bengaluru with ‘Bajrangbali’ chants
PM Modi began his 26-kilometre long mega roadshow in Bengaluru on Saturday morning with ‘Bajrangbali ki Jai’ chants and slogans like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’. The PM's route was decked with flowers and decorations as supporters cheered along.
- May 06, 2023 10:23 AM IST
Bengaluru painted in saffron, security tightened ahead of PM's mega rally
Bengaluru was painted in saffron as supporters gathered in lakhs to attend the mega roadshow to be held by PM Modi. Police were deployed in heavy numbers to maintain security protocols and visuals from the roads showed the crowd decked in saffron scarves, holding ‘arati’ plates and dancing in anticipation of the PM's arrival.
- May 06, 2023 10:16 AM IST
Bond between Bengaluru & BJP an old one, says PM Modi
PM Modi earlier posted a message on twitter, saying, “In a short while, I will be commencing the roadshow across parts of Bengaluru to interact with people of the city. The bond between Bengaluru and BJP is an old and strong one. This city has supported our party since the early days and we have made numerous efforts for its growth.”
- May 06, 2023 10:08 AM IST
PM Modi's rally in Bengaluru to start shortly
PM Modi's supporters gather in Bengaluru's JP Nagar ahead of the two-day mega rally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day mega rally in state capital Bengaluru is being seen as a final push for the BJP ahead of the May 10 assembly polls. PM Modi is set to address the crowd - gathered in lakhs - shortly.
‘Bengaluru will run out of drinking water soon,’ says MP Tejasvi Surya
Tejasvi Surya also said that the Congress government should settle the issue with their ‘alliance’ partner DMK which is the power in Tamil Nadu.
Sadhguru urges Karnataka, TN to strengthen Cauvery, MP Tejasvi Surya responds
Spiritual leader Sadhguru urged Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to strengthen the Cauvery basin instead of fighting, which evoked a response from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.
Karnataka bandh over Cauvery issue disrupts life in Bengaluru, other districts
State authorities have imposed section 144 in several areas of Karnataka and extra police force has been deployed across the state.
Karnataka bandh: Former CM HD Kumaraswamy demands release of arrested activists
Former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy demanded the release of activists detained during the Karnataka bandh against release of Cauvery water.
Karnataka bandh: 44 flights cancelled to and from state
As many as 44 flights were cancelled to and from Karnataka amid the state-wide bandh today, including 22 flights arriving in Bengaluru and 22 departing flights.
Coast Guard rescues 10 fishermen aboard stranded boat off Mangaluru coast
Indian Coast Guard rescued stranded fishing boat with 10 fishermen off New Mangalore Coast.
Karnataka Bandh: Freedom Park sole location for rallies, says Bengaluru top cop
Karnataka bandh: Protests are allowed only at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, said police commissioner B Dayananda.
Man claims his friend walked 12 km to reach home amid Bengaluru traffic
The image shared by an X user shows how his friend travelled nearly 12 kms to reach his home after not finding any cab.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike protests against state MPs over Cauvery row
The KRV activists shouted slogans of "Cauvery Is Ours" as they protested against the release of the river water to Tamil Nadu.
BJP MP waits 48 hrs to meet TN CM over Cauvery dispute, meeting doesn't happen
BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya waited 48 hours to meet Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin to discuss the drinking water crisis in Bengaluru, but the meeting did not take place.
Karnataka bandh today: Section 144 imposed; schools, colleges shut
Karnataka Bandh Updates: The pro-Kannada group and farmers' organisations called for a state bandh to protest against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu
Section 144 imposed in Karnataka ahead of bandh over Cauvery row
Bengaluru police have imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure ahead of a bandh called by pro-Kannada groups protesting over the Cauvery water issue. The prohibitory orders will be enforced for 24 hours, starting midnight on Thursday. Police have also deployed 80,000 personnel across Karnataka to ensure security and have warned of strict action against anyone disrupting law and order during the bandh. The deputy chief minister and BJP have pledged their support for the bandh, while the film industry has also lent its support. The CWMA is scheduled to meet on Friday to assess the water situation.
Bengaluru: Nearly 350k vehicles at a time choked ORR on Wednesday
Traffic congestion in Bengaluru's tech corridor reached unprecedented levels on Wednesday, with traffic snarls stretching up to 3 km. The city's strained infrastructure, escalating vehicle numbers, and large IT workforce contribute to the ongoing congestion issue. Bengaluru has the highest traffic density of any major Indian city, with close to 12.5 million vehicles for a population of 11 million. Proposed solutions, such as a hybrid work model and carpooling, have faced challenges and opposition. The traffic police have proposed measures to companies, including pooled transport options and staggered office timings.
KR Pura Metro line can ease traffic snarls on Outer Ring Road in Karnataka, say experts
The green signal has been given for passenger operations to begin on a stretch of the Bangalore Metro Rail, but congestion on the Outer Ring Road could have been avoided if the metro line had been functioning. The 2.1-kilometer stretch of the purple line is still closed to commuters. The delay in opening the stretch has drawn criticism from the public, who are urging the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation to start operations as soon as possible. The full 44-kilometer purple line will be operational once the Baiyappanahalli-KR Pura and Kengeri-Challaghatta sections are opened.
Karnataka bandh: Holiday declared in all schools, colleges in Bengaluru
Karnataka has been witnessing protests over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
