Bengaluru, Apr 28:
The first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka witnessed an increase in voter turnout, marking a notable contrast to the figures recorded in the 2019 polls. Across 14 segments, the turnout stood at 69.56%, compared to 68.80% in 2019.
This surge in participation underscores a heightened civic engagement and interest in the democratic process among Karnataka’s electorate. It reflects a growing awareness and motivation among voters to actively shape the political landscape through their franchise.
However, amidst the largely peaceful process, an unfortunate incident occurred in Indiganatha village of Hanur under the Chamarajanagar Parliamentary Constituency. Clashes led to the destruction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), prompting the Election Commission to announce re-polling at the affected polling station in Hanur on April 29.
Mandya led the voter turnout with 81.67%, followed by Kolar at 78.27%, and Tumkur at 78.05%, according to the Election Commission. Conversely, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Bangalore North, and Bangalore Rural witnessed relatively lower turnouts, ranging from 53.17% to 68.30%.
In total, 247 candidates, including 21 women, contested across these constituencies, representing diverse political interests. The elections marked a shift from the triangular contest seen in the Assembly elections last year to a direct face-off between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JDS alliance.
While the Congress fielded candidates in all 14 seats, the BJP contested in 11, with its ally JDS competing in three constituencies – Hassan, Mandya, and Kolar.
Apart from the mentioned constituencies, polling also occurred in Udupi-Chikmagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, and Chikkballapur.
The second phase of polling for the remaining 14 constituencies in the northern parts of the state is scheduled for May 7
