Polling for the Karnataka Assembly elections is in progress with a voter turnout of little over 36 per cent till 1 PM. Our correspondent says, polling is so far peaceful.

Early voters include Senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Ministers M Mallikarjuna Kharge and M Veerappa Moily, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President G Parameshwara, BJP State unit President Prahlad Joshi, and Karnataka Janatha Paksha chief B S Yeddyurappa.

Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements for peaceful and smooth conduct of polls, which commenced at 7 am. Our Bangalore correspondent reports that polling has been extended by an hour and will take place till 6 pm.