2 constituencies look deserted

While the entire state was out to vote, two constituencies in Bengaluru wore a deserted look with no enthusiasm of the polling day as the elections here were postponed.

At the Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly constituency, the elections were called off on the eve of the polling day after the Election Commission ordered an enquiry into the recovery of 9,896 genuine voter ID cards from an apartment.

At the Jayanagar Assembly constituency, it was the demise of BJP leader and contender M N Vijaykumar following a heart attack that has to lead to the postponement of the election.

While voters poured in thousands to the polling centres, it appeared to be any usual holiday at these two constituencies.

At RR Nagar, most shops and restaurants remained closed through the day while many residents remained indoors with the roads bearing a deserted look.

As early as 4 pm on Friday, the EVMs were dispatched to polling booths in RR Nagar. However, hours later, these were taken to the strong room.

Even as most voters in the constituency were aware that the elections had been called off, there was a confusion at Hemmigepura and Kenchanahalli wards where a few had turned up to vote.

While even most parts of RR Nagar wore a deserted look, there were parts where crackers were burst and people protested against MLA Munirathna after an FIR was booked against him in the voter ID cards case.

A similar situation was seen in Jayanagar where roads saw a few people.

"We wish the elections were a little in advance so that we could know the results," said a senior citizen here.

Lingaraju, another senior citizen was all in praise of the BJP candidate and mourned his demise. "Vijaykumar's contribution to the development of the constituency has been immense. Roads and parks were well maintained," he added.