As voting for the high-stakes Assembly elections in Karnataka began early on Wednesday, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi urged the people of Karnataka to vote in large numbers to build a progressive and a "40-per cent-commission-free" state.
This time, the ruling BJP is eyeing to script history by retaining its southern citadel while a combative Congress is seeking a comeback ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
In a tweet in Hindi, Gandhi said, "Karnataka's vote… for 5 guarantees, for women's rights, for youth employment, for the upliftment of the poor. Come, vote in large numbers."
"Let's build a 40%-commission-free, progressive Karnataka together," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi using the hashtag 'Congress Winning150'.
He also shared a graphic featuring the Congress' five guarantees.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the people of Karnataka have decided to choose a progressive, transparent and welfare-oriented government.
He urged the people to vote in large numbers in the election.
"People of Karnataka have decided that they shall choose a progressive, transparent & welfare-oriented government," Kharge said in a tweet.
Today, it is time to vote in large numbers, he said.
"We welcome our first time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future," the Congress chief said.
Polling is being held for 224 seats in what is being seen mainly as a three-cornered contest between the ruling BJP, the Congress and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda's Janata Dal (Secular).
The voting that began at 7 am amid tight security will go on till 6 in the evening.
(With PTI Inputs)
