About 61 per cent polling was recorded in the Assembly Election in Karnataka till 5.00 PM. Speaking to news person in New Delhi Dy.Election Commissioner, Dr Alok Shukla said, election was absolutely peaceful and fair and there were no major incidents reported. He said that the Commission is satisfied with the polling.

Important candidates in the fray are Chief Minister Jagadish Shetter, Deputy Chief Ministers R Ashoka and K S Eshwarappa from BJP, former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, KPCC State President G Parameshwar, former Union minister of State for Information and Broadcasting M H Ambareesh from Congress and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, former minister in the state H D Revanna from JD(S). The former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa is contesting from Karnataka Janatha Party. There are retired IAS, IPS and other service officers are also contesting in the election this time. Many film stars are also in fray. Total candidates in fray are 2940 out of which 2770 are male and 170 are female candidates.