Bengaluru, April 26 (UNI) As the Lok Sabha elections unfold in Karnataka, the Election Commission of India on Friday reported an overall voter turnout of 50.93 percent by 3 pm, with Dakshina Kannada emerging as the frontrunner with a robust 58.76 percent participation rate.
In contrast, Bengaluru Central recorded the lowest turnout among the surveyed constituencies, with only 40.10 percent of voters engaging in the afternoon. Further analysis within Bengaluru revealed that the North constituency led with 41.12 percent turnout, followed by the South with 40.77 percent.
Outside Bengaluru, other constituencies displayed varying degrees of voter engagement. Notably, Udupi Chikkamagalur recorded a high turnout of 57.49 percent, followed closely by Mandya (57.44%), Tumkur (56.62%), Hassan (55.92%), Chikkaballapur (55.90%), Chamrajnagar (54.82%), Kolar (54.66%), Mysuru (53.55%), and Chitradurga (52.14%).
To ensure a seamless electoral process, the Election Commission deployed approximately 1.40 lakh polling officers across the state, supported by 5,000 micro-observers and 50,000 civil police officers. Additionally, 65 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Reserved Armed Forces were mobilized to maintain law and order during the voting process.
Recognizing the challenge of urban apathy, the Election Commission implemented proactive measures to enhance voter turnout, particularly in metropolitan areas like Bengaluru. Special efforts were made to mitigate the impact of extreme heatwave conditions and ensure accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
As the day progresses, analysts anticipate the turnout numbers to evolve, providing insights into the factors influencing voter participation in different regions of the state.
The meticulous planning and proactive initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission stand as pillars of support, ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of the democratic exercise in Karnataka.
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