Davanagere/Bagalkot, April 9 (NationPress) The bypoll voting for two Assembly segments in Karnataka is underway with significant enthusiasm. As of 5 P.M., the Bagalkot Assembly constituency witnessed a voter turnout exceeding 65 percent, while in Davanagere South, it surpassed 63 percent.

Polling began at 7 A.M. and will continue until 6 P.M.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the turnout in Bagalkot reached 65.68 percent, and Davanagere South recorded 63.04 percent. Earlier at 3 P.M., Davanagere South had a turnout of 49.66 percent, whereas Bagalkot reported 43.75 percent. In the first four hours, voting exceeded 20 percent.

By 1 P.M., Davanagere South had recorded 37.17 percent, with Bagalkot maintaining its 43.75 percent. Voter participation was notable, especially from Karnataka residents returning from Goa to cast their votes in the Bagalkot bye-election. Approximately 70 to 80 voters from Madapur village traveled back using two private mini buses.

These voters, who had moved to Goa for work, returned with enthusiasm to participate in the election, forming long queues at polling booths in Madapur. They expressed gratitude towards a local leader, Vittal, who had supported them during the Covid lockdown by providing food and facilitating their return to the village. "Now, we are here to cast our votes," they shared.

Additionally, a clash erupted between Congress and Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers near Basha Nagar main road in Davanagere, creating temporary unrest during the polling.

The confrontation took place outside a polling booth at Millat School, where SDPI agents had set up a table approximately 200 metres from the polling station. Congress workers contested this setup, claiming it was beyond the allowed limit, demanding its removal.

Tensions escalated when the SDPI table was reportedly overturned, igniting a physical altercation between the two groups. The arrival of Davanagere South Block Congress President, Ayub Pailwan, further heightened the situation.

Police intervened and managed to restore calm with no injuries reported.

Furthermore, the bye-election in Bagalkot faced allegations of mismanagement, with voters confronting a lack of basic facilities at a polling station in Aminagad.

Reports indicate that voters arriving to cast their ballots were without essential amenities, including drinking water. The absence of suitable arrangements caused considerable inconvenience, particularly under the intense heat. Many had to endure long queues with insufficient shade.

In these conditions, an elderly woman reportedly became ill and collapsed while waiting in line. Locals quickly stepped in to assist and arranged for her medical treatment.

This incident has raised questions regarding the preparedness and arrangements at polling stations during the bye-election.

Additionally, allegations of cash distribution intended to sway voters emerged, causing tensions in parts of the Bagalkot constituency.

Reports from Wambe Colony in Navanagar indicated that cash was being distributed to voters. Locals claimed that Rs 500 notes were being given out.

A viral video, whose authenticity has not been verified by IANS, shows a woman displaying a Rs 500 note and alleging it was provided by Congress members, expressing dissatisfaction that only Rs 500 was given.

A total of 34 candidates are contending in the two constituencies. More than 2,500 police personnel have been deployed to polling stations to ensure a smooth electoral process. The contest is primarily between Congress and BJP in both constituencies.

The SDPI hopes that the intense rivalry between the BJP and Congress will favor their position. Election results are set to be announced on May 4.

In the Bagalkot Assembly segment, there are 2.59 lakh voters with nine candidates vying for votes. A total of 332 polling stations have been established, comprising 1.26 lakh male and 1.32 lakh female voters.

About 1,564 staff members, along with additional security personnel, have been assigned to oversee the polling process.

The main contenders in Bagalkot are Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath.

This bye-election was necessitated following the passing of Congress MLA H.Y. Meti.

In the Davanagere South Assembly segment, 284 polling stations have been set up, with 76 identified as sensitive. Prohibitory orders are in effect within a 200-metre radius of polling stations. The constituency has 2.31 lakh voters with 25 candidates contesting. Over 1,000 security personnel are present to maintain order.

Congress has nominated Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP has put forward Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa. Afsar Kodlipet is contesting as a candidate for the Social Democratic Party of India.

The bye-election was prompted by the death of veteran Congress leader, MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.