Davanagere/Bagalkot, April 9 (NationPress) The bypoll voting for two Assembly segments in Karnataka is underway with notable momentum. As of 3 P.M., the voter turnout in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency has surpassed 54 percent, while the Davanagere South constituency reached 49 percent.

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

According to official statistics from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bagalkot's voter turnout stands at 54.82 percent, and Davanagere South at 49.66 percent. Earlier data at 1 P.M. showed a turnout of 37.17 percent in Davanagere South and 43.75 percent in Bagalkot, with over 20 percent of votes cast in the first four hours.

In a separate incident, a conflict erupted between Congress and Socialist Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers near Basha Nagar main road in Davanagere during the polling process today, briefly heightening tensions in the area.

This altercation occurred outside a polling booth at Millat School. Reports indicated that SDPI polling agents had set up a table approximately 200 metres from the polling station. Congress workers contested this, claiming the table was beyond the designated limit and demanded its removal.

As tensions escalated, the SDPI's table was reportedly overturned, leading to a confrontation between the two parties. The situation intensified with the arrival of Davanagere South Block Congress President, Ayub Pailwan, who contributed to the rising tensions.

Law enforcement intervened and managed to stabilize the situation after some effort. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Moreover, the bye-election in Bagalkot has been marred by allegations of mismanagement, with voters facing challenges due to insufficient facilities at a polling station in Aminagad.

Reports suggest that voters arriving to cast their ballots encountered a lack of essential amenities, such as drinking water. This absence of basic arrangements has caused significant discomfort, especially under the sweltering heat, with insufficient shade leading to long queues in the sun.

During this ordeal, an elderly woman reportedly collapsed while waiting in line, prompting locals to assist her and arrange for medical care.

This situation has raised serious concerns about the preparedness and arrangements at polling stations during the bye-election.

BJP candidate for the Bagalkot segment, Veeranna Charantimath, voted alongside his family and expressed strong confidence in his chances of winning this time. Charantimath, who lost by a narrow margin in the last election, believes the atmosphere is favorable now.

Simultaneously, accusations of cash distribution aimed at swaying voters emerged during the bye-election in Bagalkot, generating tension in parts of the constituency.

Reports from Wambe Colony in Navanagar claim that money was being handed out to voters as an inducement. Locals allege that Rs 500 notes were distributed.

A viral video, the authenticity of which has not been confirmed, features a woman displaying a Rs 500 note and suggesting it was distributed by Congress members. She also expressed her dissatisfaction with only receiving Rs 500.

In another escalation, a crowd surrounded a vehicle belonging to Congress leader Santosh Hokarani, alleging that there was money distribution occurring. Hokarani reportedly exited his vehicle to confront the crowd about the incident.

A total of 34 candidates are competing across the two constituencies. More than 2,500 police personnel have been deployed at polling stations to ensure peace and security. The elections feature a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in both seats.

The SDPI is optimistic that the fierce competition between the BJP and Congress will work to their advantage. Results will be announced on May 4.

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

Approximately 1,564 staff members, alongside additional security personnel, have been designated to manage and oversee the polling process.

The primary contest in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath.

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

In the Davanagere South Assembly segment, 284 polling stations have been established, with 76 identified as sensitive. Prohibitory orders are in effect within a 200-metre radius of polling stations. This constituency hosts 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates. More than 1,000 security personnel are on hand to maintain safety.

Congress has nominated Samarth Mallikarjun, while the BJP has put forth Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa. Afsar Kodlipet is representing the Social Democratic Party of India.

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