Karnataka, Apr 10 : Karnataka witnessed a strong democratic response as over 68 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the by elections held in Bagalkot and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies on Thursday. According to the Election Commission of India, Bagalkot registered 68.70 per cent polling, while Davanagere South saw a turnout of 68.55 per cent.
The bypolls were necessitated following the demise of senior Congress leaders H Y Meti and Shamanur Shivashankarappa, making the contests emotionally and politically significant for the ruling party. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
While the outcome may not immediately alter the political balance, both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP are treating the elections as a prestige battle. The Congress is aiming to retain both seats, whereas the BJP is looking to make inroads and boost momentum ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
In Bagalkot, more than 2.59 lakh voters were eligible to cast their ballots across 319 polling stations, with nine candidates contesting. Davanagere South had over 2.31 lakh voters and 25 candidates in the fray across 284 polling booths. Authorities ensured tight security arrangements for smooth polling.
A controversy emerged in Bagalkot after a video allegedly showed cash distribution to voters. Officials acted swiftly, registering an FIR at Navanagar Police Station and initiating an investigation.
The BJP fielded Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot and newcomer Srinivas T Dasakariyappa from Davanagere South. The Congress, on the other hand, nominated family members of the deceased leaders Umesh Meti and Samarth Mallikarjun continuing its legacy-based approach.
Davanagere South presents a complex electoral landscape, with concerns over vote division among the Muslim community, which has a notable presence in the constituency. Internal disagreements within the Congress over ticket distribution were visible, although party leadership managed to contain major fallout.
Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, led intensive campaigns for the Congress. The BJP criticised this, calling it a sign of nervousness within the ruling party.
In the 2023 Assembly elections, both constituencies were won by the Congress with comfortable margins, setting the stage for a closely watched bypoll battle this time.