From First-Time Voters To Seniors, Bagalkot Sees Lively Polling Day
The Bagalkot constituency recorded a voter turnout of 11.87 per cent by 9 am, which rose significantly to 27.83 per cent by 11 am, with steady polling momentum.
Bagalkot : Brisk and enthusiastic voting marked the by-election to the Bagalkot Assembly constituency on Thursday, with long queues seen at several polling booths from the early hours of the day.
Voters, both young and elderly, turned up in good numbers, many preferring to cast their votes in the morning to avoid the scorching afternoon heat. Senior citizens and specially abled voters were also seen participating actively across the constituency.
The constituency recorded a voter turnout of 11.87 per cent by 9 am, which rose significantly to 27.83 per cent by 11 am, indicating steady polling momentum.
Congress candidate Umesh Meti and BJP candidate Veeranna Charantimath were among the early voters. Meti cast his vote at Booth No. 39 in his hometown Timmapur, while Charantimath exercised his franchise at Booth No. 166 at Model Higher Primary School.
Before casting his vote, Meti visited the samadhi of his father, former MLA HY Meti, along with his supporters and offered prayers.
Speaking to reporters after casting the vote, Meti expressed confidence in a Congress victory by about 15 to 20 thousand votes, stating that the party was receiving strong support in both rural and urban areas. He said the voters would vote based on the government’s programmes.
Charantimath, who visited several polling booths since morning, said voters were turning out with enthusiasm and urged people to participate in large numbers. He emphasised that every vote is valuable and said higher voter turnout would improve the BJP’s chances of securing a bigger victory margin.
“I was told that mobile phones were not being allowed inside polling stations. Some voters keep their ID proof on their phones. I have instructed officials to allow voters to carry their phones up to the polling officials, deposit them there, and collect them while leaving,” he added.
First-time voter Sunita expressed happiness after casting her vote, saying she felt proud to be part of the democratic process.
