Get set, vote! Karnataka ready to cast ballot

In what is one of the most eagerly contested elections, Karnataka will decide which party comes to power to form the next government in the state. (IANS Photo)

Congress and BJP are the two main parties hoping to upstage each other. While Congress is looking for another term, BJP is keen on establishing a foothold in south India. (File Photo)

5.6 crore voters are expected to exercise their democratic right in the Karnataka Assembly elections. In the 2013 elections, there were 4.18 crore voters in the state. (PTI Photo)

A total of 58,000 booths across the states have been set up. In 2013, there were 50,446 polling stations. (IANS Photo)

Of all the booths this year, 600 would be completely managed by women and would be called 'Pink Booths', according to Chief Electoral Officer S Kumar. (IANS Photo)

A day before polling, Karnataka Director General-Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) Neelamani Raju, addressed a press conference on security arrangements in place. (IANS Photo)

Nearly 1.5 lakh security personnel will be deployed during on voting day to ensure free and fair polls. Out of them, more than 50,000 will be from the central paramilitary forces. (IANS Photo)

The number of the central forces personnel was finalised recently by the Election Commission after a meeting with senior officials of the home ministry. A company of paramilitary forces comprises about 100 personnel. (IANS Photo)