Davanagere/Bagalkot, April 9 (NationPress) Voting is currently taking place at polling stations within the Davanagere South and Bagalkot Assembly districts of Karnataka. The polls opened at 7 a.m. and will remain accessible for voters until 6 p.m.

Preliminary reports indicate that there are long lines of voters outside polling stations in Davanagere South. Similarly, Bagalkot has also experienced a strong start to voting, with Naveen Charantimath, the son of BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath, being among the first to cast his ballot.

A total of 34 candidates are contesting in these two constituencies. To maintain order, more than 2,500 police officers have been stationed at polling sites. The competition is primarily between the Congress and the BJP in both areas. The SDPI is optimistic that the fierce rivalry between these two major parties will work to their advantage. The election results will be disclosed on May 4.

In the Bagalkot constituency, there are 2.59 lakh registered voters and nine candidates vying for the seat. A total of 332 polling stations have been established, with the electorate comprising 1.26 lakh males and 1.32 lakh females. Approximately 1,564 staff members, along with additional security personnel, have been assigned to oversee the voting process.

The key battle in Bagalkot is between Congress candidate Umesh Meti and Bharatiya Janata Party's Veeranna Charantimath.

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

In the Davanagere South Assembly area, officials have set up 284 polling stations, of which 76 are categorized as sensitive. Restrictions have been placed within a 200-meter radius of these stations. The constituency has a total of 2.31 lakh voters, with 25 candidates in the running. Over 1,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure a safe voting environment.

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

The by-election arose following the death of senior Congress leader, MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra took to the social media platform X to urge: “Dear voters of Bagalkote and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies, I encourage you all to come out in significant numbers and exercise your voting rights in today’s by-election in both areas. Every vote is crucial for the future of the constituency. Your participation strengthens democracy.”

“I specifically call on our mothers, sisters, and young voters, including first-time voters, to join the voting process in large numbers. For a robust Karnataka and a secure future, make sure to cast your vote and fortify democracy,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made an appeal to voters on Wednesday evening, encouraging support for Congress candidates in Davanagere South and Bagalkot. He emphasized the legacy of senior leaders and the importance of continuity in development.