Voting in Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies of Karnataka exceeded 20% by 11 A.M. on Thursday. The Election Commission of India data revealed that Bagalkot had a 27.83% turnout, while Davanagere South recorded 22.01%. Earlier, by 9 A.M., Davanagere South had 9.01% voter participation, and Bagalkot had 11.87%.
As part of the Bagalkot Assembly bye-election, Congress candidate Umesh Meti voted at Booth No. 39 in his native village, Timmappur, accompanied by a ram adorned with Congress flags. A total of 34 candidates are contesting in the two constituencies, with a direct competition between Congress and BJP in both seats.
The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) anticipates benefiting from the intense BJP-Congress contest. Results are scheduled for May 4. In Bagalkot, there are 2.59 lakh voters and nine candidates, with 332 polling stations. The main contest is between Congress’ Umesh Meti and BJP’s Veeranna Charantimath.
In Davanagere South, 284 polling stations have been set up, with 76 identified as sensitive. The constituency has 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates. Congress has fielded Samarth Mallikarjun, BJP nominated Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa, and Afsar Kodlipet is contesting for the SDPI. The bye-election follows the passing of Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
