Elections in Karnataka

Elections in Karnataka, a state in India are conducted in accordance with the Constitution of India. The Assembly of Karnataka creates laws regarding the conduct of local body elections unilaterally while any changes by the state legislature to the conduct of state level elections need to be approved by the Parliament of India. In addition, the state legislature may be dismissed by the Parliament according to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution and President's rule may be imposed.

Currently, Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) are the dominant parties in the state. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) and Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) are the other active political entities in the state. In the past, the various precursors of the JD(S) such as Janata Party and Janata Dal have also been very influential. Splinter groups such as Karnataka Congress Party (KCP), Karnataka Janata Party (KJP), BSR Congress, Lok Shakti and Janata Dal (United) have made their mark in a few elections. Erstwhile parties which have been influential in the state include Indian National Congress (Organisation) (NCO), Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party (KMPP), Praja Socialist Party (PSP), Samyukta Socialist Party (SSP), Swatantra Party and Communist party of India (CPI).

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