The election process held for 203 Gram Panchayats in Chikkamagaluru on Friday was peaceful. 58.48 percent voting was recorded in the district till 5 pm.
Election to be held for a seat in Jodikodihalli constituency in Belenahalli Gram Panchayat limits in Tarikere taluk, was postponed following the confusion created due to sealing of ballot papers.
The election process which started out at a slow pace in the morning became active in the afternoon at most of the polling booths. Peaceful polling was held at Maoist-infested areas. Even during the agricultural season where seed transplantation works are being carried out, people in villages took part in the elections enthusiastically.
Peacefull polling
Speaking to mediapersons during his visit to the polling booth in Allampur near Chikkamagaluru city, Deputy Commissioner B S Shekharappa said that the district has witnessed a peaceful election, even in the Maoist infested areas. As people are taking part in the elections with a great involvement, the voting is being carried out in a good pace.
No clashes have took place as tight security was arranged, the DC said. He further stated that the people have boycotted elections in 13 Gram Panchayats and the elections are being carried out for the rest 203 Gram Panchayats.
145 members have been elected unanimously.
A women police personnel, who happens to be the relative of a candidate was deployed on duty at Allampur polling booth. A local resident submitted a plea to the Deputy Commissioner seeking the replacement of the lady staff. Responding to the request, the DC ordered Revenue department Assistant Commissioner on the spot, to transfer the women police personnel to the next booth.
45 to 50 pc of voting was recorded at Ambale, Malalur, K R Pet, Kadrimidri, Kooduvalli and Aldur Gram Panchayats, till noon.
108 year old Ningamma belonging to Siddarahatti, Kanchenahalli, cast her franchise without anyone’s help.
90 year old Gangamma, who is visually challenged also exercised her franchise. 95 year old Uddamma also cast her vote at Tiruguna.
The details of voting percentage in various taluks are as follows:
Chiikamagaluru - 54.74 p.c, Mudigere - 58.93 p.c, Sringeri - 64.01 p.c, Koppa - 55.81 p.c, Tarikere - 61.05 p.c, Kadur - 55.14 p.c and Narasimharajapura - 59.65 p.c.
