Karnataka Elections: It is a race of 2,613 candidates for 224 seats

There are 2,613 candidates in the fray to fight to the Karnataka Assembly elections in the race for 224 seats.

As many as 517 candidates have withdrawn their nominations for the May 10 elections. In the final list there are 2,427 male and 184 female candidates and two others in the fray.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that as many as 56 candidates withdrew their candidature in the BBMP and Bengaluru Urban Limits. With this the city will have 389 candidates of which 351 are men and 38 are women. In the 16 constituencies, which include Rajajinagar, Yelahanka and Byatarayanapura, there are 15 who require two ballot units in the EVMs.

In the elections, the BJP is contesting in 224 constituencies. The Congress is contesting in 223, the AAP in 209, JD (S), 207 and BSP in 133. The independents are contesting in 918 seats.

Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 10, while the results will be out on May 13.

The BJP is looking to retain power in a state, which usually does not elect the same party back to power. The Congress on the other hand is looking to win a major state, which is economically strong. The JD(S) is trying to play kingmaker. According to the experts if the JD(S) manages to win 20 to 25 seats, it would end up playing kingmaker and both the major parties, be it the Congress or BJP will not end up with a majority.