Karnataka elections: 60 pc polling in first phase

He said 64 per cent voters exercised their franchise in rural areas while 50 per cent turnout was recorded in urban centres. Around 7,700 central officials monitored the polling held in 18,598 stations across 11 districts on Saturday.

The polling percentage could increase as people waited in queues inside polling stations even after the close of polling at 1700 hours, he added.

Bhattacharya said the state Election Commission has issued a notice to Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for 8216;violating8217; the model code of conduct by announcing free power to farmers in a television interview earlier in the day.

8220;He has been asked to reply within 48 hours,8221; Bhattacharya said.

The first phase of polling will decide the fate of political heavyweights like former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy JD-S, his brother Revanna and Congress Campaign Committee Chairman and former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.