Karnataka election dates Highlights: From voting on 12th May to counting on 15th May, all you want to know

Karnataka election dates Highlights:  This southern state will go to polls to elect a new assembly on May 12, 2018, and counting of votes will be taken up on May 15, 2018. There will be a single phase election for the 224-member assembly. With the announcement of the schedule, the model code of conduct has come into force in the state. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi today, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said, over 4.96 crore people will exercise their franchise for 224 seats. 
1. VVPATs will be used with EVMs during the polling. 
2. 450 special polling stations will be managed by women. 
3. Limit for expenses for candidates is Rs 28 lakh.
4. Notification for the polls will be issued on April 17. 
5. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 25 
 6. April 28 is the last date for filing of nomination
7. April 27 will be the last date of withdrawal of candidature.  
8.  It will be a single phase election
9.  The 224-member Assembly expires on May 28

The state elections in Karnataka is being seen as a crucial voting for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP, who is trying its best to unseat the incumbent.  The elections are crucial for both the Bharatiya Janata Party and incumbent Congress. For the latter, it is critical as this is the only big state where it is in power after losing a string of assembly elections to BJP over the last few years. Also, this election is going to set the mood of the nation for the 2019 general elections. Secondly, the elections will also test Rahul Gandhi's, Congress President, mass appeal.  In current assembly, the Congress is currently in power, with 122 seats against the BJP`s 43.

For Congress, the incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah will be the candidate for the topmost post, while the former chief minister, BS Yeddyurappa, is going to be the face for BJP. Janata Dal (Secular), led by former Prime Minister of India HD Deve Gowda, is the third significant party in the state and is being seen as a party that may play a Kingmaker's role in case of a hung assembly.