Karnataka recorded a 69.2 percent voter turnout (tentative) across 14 constituencies in Lok Sabha (LS) polls on April 26, with low voter turnout in Bengaluru dragging down the state average.
Voting began at 7 am for 14 constituencies in South Karnataka, including Bengaluru, and concluded at 6 pm.
In Mandya, where JDS leader and former CM HD Kumaraswamy and Congress's Star Chandru are contesting, the constituency recorded the highest polling percentage (81.4 percent). Bengaluru Central recorded the lowest turnout at 52.8 percent.
Also, read: Battle for Bengaluru: BJP looks to keep up winning streak; Cong banks on guarantees for breakthrough
In Bengaluru, North led with 54.4 percent voters turning up to vote, followed by Central (52.8 percent), and South (53.1 percent).
According to EC records, the voting percentage in Bengaluru is around 53%, which is almost as close to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls (54.1%) but lower than the 56% recorded in 2014.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Rural saw 67.2 percent and Chikkaballapur 76.8 percent voting. However, final figures are likely to be little higher as this excludes postal ballots, elderly citizens above 85 years old, as well as differently-abled citizens who cast their votes from home.
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Long queues were reported at many polling booths in Bengaluru, as many preferred to vote early in the day to beat the heat. In Bengaluru, there were also complaints from voters over names their missing from the voter list.
The voting for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka is being held in two phases, with North Karnataka scheduled to vote on May 7.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who cast her vote in Bengaluru South told reporters, "This election is about the desire for a stable and good leadership. The progress of the country in the last 10 years has been phenomenal, and this is clearly in the minds of voters."
Infosys Co-Founder Narayana Murthy and his wife, Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murthy, cast their votes at a polling booth in Jayanagar. "Voting is an extraordinary right given to citizens; everyone must vote," Murthy said.
Also, read: Voting is an extraordinary right given to citizens, everyone must vote: Narayana Murthy
India cricket coach Rahul Dravid, who cast his vote in Dollars Colony, urged everyone to vote. "It is important to take our democracy forward, and I request everyone to step out and vote. I am expecting a larger voter turnout this time in Bengaluru. There are so many first-time voters as well, and everyone must use their franchise. If young boys and girls show up and cast their vote, it would be great." Anil Kumble, Dravid's former teammate and legendary Indian spinner, also cast his vote.
Former Infosys CFO and Aarin Capital Co-Founder, TV Mohandas Pai, who cast his vote in Vasant Nagar, said: "Everyone should exercise their franchise to elect a leader who represents them in the Lok Sabha, where laws are created to improve the country and make lives better". Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan also cast their votes in Bengaluru.
Show inked finger and get free dosa
In Bengaluru, many restaurants and commercial establishments offered complimentary breakfasts and discounts to customers who display their inked finger. Long queues were seen at Nisarga Grand Hotel on Nrupathunga Road in Bengaluru, which offered free benne khali dosa, ghee laddu, and juice on April 26 to those who voted.
There were concerns over voter turnout in Bengaluru as the voting day falls on a Friday. Post-Covid, a majority of office-goers, especially techies, work from the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and many leave Bengaluru on Fridays to travel to their native places or weekend getaways.
For the latest on Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections, click here
According to the Election Commission’s records, the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha segment has the highest number of electors in the state, at 31.7 lakh, followed by 27.6 lakh in Bengaluru Rural, 23.9 lakh in Bengaluru Central, and 23.1 lakh in Bengaluru South.
Also, read: Lok Sabha Polls: Bengaluru to vote on April 26, a Friday, amid concerns over voter turnout
As many as 88 seats, including 14 in Karnataka, are going to the polls on April 26 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which are being held in seven phases. Votes will be counted on June 4.
Battle for Bengaluru
Bengaluru's Lok Sabha constituencies – South, Central, and North – are considered BJP's turf, and the Congress is banking on its guarantees for a breakthrough.
The Congress last won an LS election in Bengaluru 25 years ago (CK Jaffer Sharief from Bengaluru North in 1999). In Bengaluru South, BJP sitting MP Tejasvi Surya faces Congress party candidate and former Jayanagar MLA Sowmya Reddy. In Bengaluru Central, which covers IT hubs like Mahadevapura and CV Raman Nagar, the contest is between BJP's sitting MP PC Mohan and Congress party leader and educationalist Mansoor Ali Khan. In Bengaluru North, Congress party's MV Rajeev Gowda faces BJP leader and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje.
In Bengaluru Rural, which covers areas like Electronics City, three-time MP DK Suresh faces the BJP's Dr CN Manjunath (66), a renowned cardiologist and son-in-law of former Prime Minister and JD (S) supremo HD Deve Gowda.
In Chikkaballapur Lok Sabha constituency, which includes areas such as Yelahanka and Kempegowda International Airport, the contest is between BJP leader and former state minister K Sudhakar and Congress youth leader Raksha Ramaiah.
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