By-elections for eight constituencies of the Karnataka Assembly has started today at 7 AM under the strict vigil of around 9,500 security personnel. The defection by three Congress, four JDS members and death of JD(S) leader M S Siddaraju necessitated the by-election. A total of 13.69 lakh electorate would decide the entry of 8 contestants into the assembly.

The polling would decide the fate of 73 candidates at Hukkeri, Arabhavi, Devadurga, Karwar, Turuvekere, Madhugiri, Doddaballapur and Maddur constituencies. Major contestant includes state Ministers, Balachandra Jarakiholi, Anand Asnotikar, K Shivanagowda Naik, Umesh Katti and Anita, wife of the former chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy. Other prominent contestants include former minister C Chennigappa in Madhugiri, Congress MP R L Jalappa's son J Narasimhaswamy and D C Thammanna.

Counting of the votes would start on December 30 and results are expected to be declared before noon as voting is going on through electronic voting machines. This by-election would decide the future of the ruling BJP, opposition Congress and JD(S) in the forthcoming general election.