The counting of votes in Karnataka’s Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly segments is underway. In Davanagere South, the BJP is leading by 8,539 votes, while the ruling Congress party is ahead by 9,969 votes in Bagalkot. These results hold significance for both parties.
In Davanagere South, BJP’s Srinivasa T. Dasakariyappa has widened the lead over Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun. Srinivasa has garnered 25,728 votes compared to Samarth Mallikarjun’s 17,189 votes after six rounds of counting. The total counting rounds are 21.
Moving to Bagalkot, Congress candidate Umesh Meti is leading by over 8,000 votes against BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath after the second round of counting. Umesh Meti has secured 47,206 votes, while Veeranna Charantimath has received 37,237 votes. The counting process involves a total of 23 rounds.
The by-election in Bagalkot was triggered by the unfortunate passing of H.Y. Meti, with his son Umesh Meti contesting directly against BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah actively campaigned for the Congress candidate.
The counting, which began at 8 A.M., is being carried out across 14 tables in 23 rounds. Bagalkot Deputy Commissioner Sangappa confirmed the completion of all necessary preparations for the counting. A total of 63 counting personnel have been deployed to ensure a smooth process.
Candidates and election agents arrived at the counting center by 7 A.M., with the strongroom being opened in their presence. In Davanagere South, the bypoll was necessitated by the demise of Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, with his grandson Samarth Mallikarjun contesting for the party.
Allegations of anti-party activities led to the removal of two MLCs from party positions by Congress post the candidate announcement. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while the BJP aims for its first win in this Assembly segment.
Election Officer Santosh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner G.M. Gangadharaswamy oversaw the preparations in Davanagere, with the strongroom opening in the presence of candidates’ agents.
