Karnataka Elections: 111 Year Old Shri Shivkumara Swami Votes

Among the early voters in Karnataka Elections were 111 Year Old Shri Shivkumara Swami and former cricketers.

Voting to the 222 Karnataka Assembly seats began on a brisk and enthusiastic note. Setting an example to youngsters, 111 year old Sri Shivakumara Swami, head of the Siddaganga Mutt, was one of the early voters in Tumakuru district. The swami, widely respected by all political parties, exercised his franchise with ease.

In Hassan, former prime minister H D Deva Gowda was one of the early voters. Many other leaders also exercised their franchise.

In Madikeri, a newly wed bride cast her vote soon after marriage. She went to the voting booth in her traditional Kodava wedding dress.

In another part of Madikeri, the Municipal Corporation invited those who cast their votes to sit on a colourful throne and were given a shawl and a crown for a photo-op. Youngsters found this novel and shared their pictures on social media. 

In parts of Bengaluru, there were skirmishes between BJP and Congress workers. In Vijayanagara, BJP corporator and his supporters clashed with Congress workers.

Unlike in previous elections, voters in Bengaluru showed enthusiasm to exercise their votes in the crucial elections. Among the early birds at the polling booths were Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble.