Bengaluru/UNI: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appealed to the people of Karnataka to vote in large numbers to build a 40-per cent commission-free state.

"Karnataka's vote… for 5 guarantees, for women's rights, for youth employment, for the upliftment of the poor. Come, vote in large numbers."

"Let's build a 40%-commission-free, progressive Karnataka together," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the people of Karnataka have decided to choose a progressive, transparent and welfare-oriented government. He also welcomed first-time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future.

"People of Karnataka have decided to choose a progressive, transparent and welfare-oriented government. Today, it is time to vote in large numbers. We welcome our first-time voters to participate in this democratic process for a better future," he tweeted.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also appealed to the voters to exercise their franchise.

"As the polling for the assembly elections begins, I urge all my sisters and brothers in Karnataka to go out there and vote for change. It's time to bring in a strong, development-oriented and capable government that works tirelessly to make your lives better," she said.

This is a high-stakes election battle, the challenge for BJP is to break the 38 years old jinx of overthrowing ruling parties.

For Congress, dethroning BJP to give much-needed boost for it to reverse the fortunes, while HD Deve Gowda-led JDS is fighting to hold on to its turf.