All eyes on counting of votes now

The calculations about who will be elected from Kodagu-Mysuru Lok Sabha seat, which have started with the electoral fortunes of candidates being sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs) after the election on Thursday, will continue till the votes are counted on May 23.

The calculations on who will win or lose is being done on the basis of votes cast at booth level. Owing to a tough competition between the BJP and the Congress-JD(S) coalition in the constituency, both the parties have gone out of their way to woo the voters.

A voter turnout of 68.82 percent was registered in Mysuru-Kodagu constituency. Kodagu district has recorded a voting of 74.67%. The voting percentage in the 2014 parliamentary elections in the district was 71.88. Thus, the voter turnout has witnessed an increase by 2.79% when compared to the previous election.

Out of 2,21,157 voters in Madikeri Legislative Assembly constituency, 1,69,725 people have cast their vote, registering a voting percentage of 76.74. Of the total 2,19,573 voters in Virajpet Assembly constituency, 1,59,387 people have exercised their franchise (72.58%).

In 2014, 1,55,682 out of 2,10,819 people had cast their vote in Madikeri Assembly constituency. The voting percentage was 73.84. In Virajpet, 1,45,752 out of 2,08,514 voters had exercised their franchise in 2014. The voting percentage was 69.90.

There is an increase of 21,397 voters this time, compared to 2014. As many as 27,678 additional votes have been cast in this election. The BJP candidate had obtained a lead of 32,000 votes during the previous Lok Sabha election.

The question on whether the margin will decrease or increase due to the coalition of JD(S) and Congress parties, will be known when the counting of votes
begins.

Kudos to PWD voters

As many as 3,022 out of 3,076 PWD (persons with disabilities) voters have exercised their duty, drawing appreciation from all sides. The percentage of voting by the PWD is a whopping 98.24.

The good turnout of PWDs has been attributed to the free vehicle facility provided by the district administration.