Bagalkot/Davanagere, April 9 (NationPress) The bypoll voting for two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka is underway with significant participation. As of 1 P.M., voter turnout in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency surpassed 43 percent, while the Davanagere South constituency recorded a turnout of 37.17 percent.

Polling began at 7 A.M., allowing voters to cast their votes until 6 P.M.

Official figures from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicate that by 1 P.M., Bagalkot's turnout was 43.75 percent and Davanagere South's was 37.17 percent. Earlier, by 9 A.M., the turnout in Davanagere South was 9.01 percent, and Bagalkot was at 11.87 percent, with over 20 percent of the electorate participating within the first four hours.

BJP candidate for Bagalkot, Veeranna Charantimath, voted with his family and expressed optimism about winning this election, having narrowly lost previously. He noted a more favorable atmosphere this time around.

However, allegations of cash distribution aimed at swaying voters have emerged in Bagalkot, causing disturbances in certain areas.

Reports from Wambe Colony in Navanagar suggest that voters were receiving money as incentives, with claims of Rs 500 notes being distributed.

A viral video, whose authenticity remains unverified, features a woman presenting a Rs 500 note, alleging it was given to her by Congress members, expressing her dissatisfaction that the amount was only Rs 500.

Additionally, tensions heightened when a crowd surrounded the vehicle of Congress leader Santosh Hokarani, accusing him of distributing money. Hokarani reportedly exited the car to engage with the crowd about the situation.

Charantimath also claimed to have received information about the ruling party distributing money and mentioned that individuals from surrounding regions like Gokak, Arabhavi, and Belagavi have been present in the area, raising concerns with election officials.

He encouraged all voters, including youth, men, women, and seniors, to participate in the electoral process and support the BJP.

In the Bagalkot Assembly by-election, Congress candidate Umesh Meti cast his vote at Booth No. 39 in his hometown, Timmappur. He arrived with a ram adorned with Congress flags before casting his vote. Umesh Meti is known to come from a shepherd background.

There are a total of 34 candidates contesting across both constituencies. Over 2,500 police personnel have been deployed to polling stations to maintain order and prevent any incidents. The main competition is between Congress and BJP in both constituencies.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is optimistic that the intense rivalry between BJP and Congress may work to their advantage. The results will be disclosed on May 4.

In Bagalkot, the electorate consists of 2.59 lakh voters, with 9 candidates participating. There are 332 polling stations, including 1.26 lakh male and 1.32 lakh female voters.

Approximately 1,564 staff members and additional security have been appointed to oversee the polling.

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

This bypoll was necessitated by the passing of Congress MLA H.Y. Meti.

In the Davanagere South Assembly segment, officials have set up 284 polling stations, of which 76 are recognized as sensitive. Prohibitory measures are in place within a 200-metre radius of polling locations. The constituency has 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates competing. More than 1,000 security personnel are on hand to ensure safety.

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

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