Vote counting has commenced for the by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly segments in Karnataka. In Davanagere South, BJP’s Srinivasa T. Dasakariyappa is leading with 3,711 votes against Congress candidate Samarth Mallikarjun’s 3,134 votes after the first round of counting. The total counting rounds are 21 in this constituency.
In Bagalkot, Congress candidate Umesh Meti is ahead by over 5,000 votes after the second round of counting, with 10,996 votes compared to BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath’s 5,980 votes. The total counting rounds in Bagalkot are 23.
The by-election in Bagalkot was triggered by the passing of H.Y. Meti, with his son Umesh Meti contesting against BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah actively supported the Congress candidate in this constituency.
The vote counting process started at 8 a.m. and will proceed through 23 rounds across 14 tables in Bagalkot. Bagalkot Deputy Commissioner Sangappa confirmed the completion of all necessary preparations for the counting. A total of 63 counting personnel have been assigned to ensure a smooth process.
Candidates and election agents arrived at the counting center by 7 a.m., and the strongroom was opened in their presence. The Davanagere South bypoll was initiated due to the demise of veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa. The Congress fielded his grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP nominated Srinivasa T. Dasakariyappa.
Allegations of anti-party activities led to the removal of two MLCs from party positions by Congress. The stakes are high for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while the BJP anticipates its first victory in this Assembly segment. Election Officer Santosh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner G.M. Gangadharaswamy oversaw preparations in Davanagere.
Fourteen tables have been arranged for counting, with postal ballots processed before 8 a.m. and EVM counting starting at 8:30 a.m. The final results will be announced after a minimum of 21 rounds. Each table is monitored by four staff members, including a micro observer, and all activities are under CCTV surveillance.
