JOIN USThe district has recorded 68 to 70 per cent polling in elections to the 14th Legislative Assembly, held on Sunday. The polling was peaceful in the district. The polling in Madikeri constituency was 68 to 70 percent and in Virajpet was 70 per cent.
No untoward incidents were reported in 510 polling booths in the district. Brisk polling was reported across the district in the morning and in the evening. With the Election Commission following strict measures, the party workers were not allowed to enter the polling booth within 200 radius of the booth.
Voters were waiting in a long queue to exercise their franchise in Madikeri, Somwarpet, Virajpet, Murnad, Arji, Ammathi-Karmadu, Siddapura, Nellyahudikeri, Valnoor, Nanjarayapattana, Kushalnagar, Somwarpet, Guddehosur, Suntikoppa and others areas.
A 90-year-old grandmother exercised her franchise with the help of her grand children at Kushalnagar.
With several parts of Kodagu experiencing drizzling, many were seen waiting for their turn outside the polling booth holding umbrella.
J K Jadiya, Appanni, Raghu who have been working as labourers in Dubare Elephant Camp had decided to boycott the election. However, with the mediation of a leader, they exercised their franchise in the evening.
Candidates speak
Virajpet BJP candidate K G Bopaiah after exercising his franchise said that he will win with thumping majority. He along with family members exercised their franchise at Government PU College in Madikeri. The BJP will return back to power, he added.
Madikeri BJP candidate Appachu Ranjan said that he will win with a margin of 10,000 votes.
“I had earnestly worked for the development of the district,” he added. JD(S) candidate B A Jeevijaya said “the BJP-led State government was mired in corruption. No development work were initiated in the last five years. I am confident of my victory.”
Congress candidate K M Lokesh said that the voters are tired of the misgovernance. They are craving for a change.