The Election Commission announced the single-phase polling schedule for 224-member Karnataka assembly on Tuesday.

The Commission said that campaigning by various political parties must be with eco-friendly tools and must not be done near places such as educational institutions. It said that it has given directions that voters belonging to weaker sections must be provided full protection to exercise their franchise without fear.

With 4.96 crore voters in the state, security measures will be tight across Karnataka. Flying squads with GPS will ensure help is available whenever needed. The Commission will employ central, police and micro-observers.

The CEC said EVMs and VVPAT machines will be used in these elections.

He further said that the media has always been the EC’s friend and therefore, anything that is against rules and regulations must be highlighted to ensure immediate, effective action.

The last state elections were held in the first week of May in 2008.

The polls are being seen politically crucial for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP as it is the only big state where the former is in power after losing a string of assembly elections to the saffron party in the last few years. The BJP is making a concerted bid to unseat the Congress.