Voting is currently ongoing in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly constituencies of Karnataka. Polling started at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. Voters are lining up at polling stations in Davanagere South, with a positive start to voting also observed in Bagalkot where Naveen Charantimath, son of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, was among the early voters.
A total of 34 candidates are contesting in these constituencies, with over 2,500 police personnel deployed to ensure a smooth voting process. The main competition is between the Congress and the BJP in both areas, with the SDPI hopeful of benefiting from the intense contest. The election results are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
In Bagalkot, there are 2.59 lakh voters and nine candidates vying for the seat. The constituency has 332 polling stations, with a voter demographic of 1.26 lakh male and 1.32 lakh female voters. Security measures include the deployment of 1,564 staff members and additional personnel to oversee the polling process.
The Bagalkot Assembly segment witnesses a key battle between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath. The bypoll was triggered by the passing of Congress MLA H.Y. Meti.
In Davanagere South, 284 polling stations have been established, with 76 identified as sensitive areas. Prohibitory orders are in place within a 200-meter radius of polling stations. The constituency boasts 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates in the running, with over 1,000 security personnel ensuring safety during the voting process.
The main contenders in Davanagere South are Samarth Mallikarjun from the Congress, Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa from the BJP, and Afsar Kodlipet from the Social Democratic Party of India. The by-election in this region follows the demise of veteran Congress leader and MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
State President of the BJP and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has urged voters through social media to participate actively in the by-elections, emphasizing the importance of every vote in strengthening democracy. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also called on voters to support Congress candidates in the by-elections, stressing the legacy of senior leaders and the continuity of development.
