Polling for four legislative council seats got underway in Karnataka on Wednesday, October 28 amid the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The four constituencies registered a little more than 7 per cent votes till 10:00 am.
Polling began at 8:00 am and will continue till 5:00 pm. The Election Commission has modified timings due to the pandemic situation. The counting of votes will be held on November 2.
According to an Election official, poll percentage till 10 a.m. of Karnataka North-East Teachers' (Kalaburagi) recorded at 8.34 per cent, Bangalore Teachers' constituency registered 10 per cent, Karnataka South-East Graduates (Bengaluru) constituency 7 per cent and Karnataka West Graduates' (Belagavi) constituency registered 7.49 per cent.
Where are the MLC polls taking place?
The MLC polls are taking place for Karnataka South-East Graduates, Karnataka West Graduates', Karnataka North-East Teachers' and Bangalore Teachers' constituencies, which fell vacant due to the retirement of R. Chowda Reddy Thoopalli, S.V. Sankanur, Sharanappa Mattur and Puttanna respectively.
When is the MLC polling taking place?
The polling began at 8 a.m. and would conclude at 5 p.m. The counting of votes will be held on November 2.
The candidates?
As many as 40 candidates are in the fray in these four constituencies. Among them are the four whose retirement on June 30 warranted the elections. There are 2.35 lakh voters in these four constituencies who will cast their franchise in as many 549 polling stations in these constituencies.
There are 2.35 lakh voters in these four constituencies. Security has been beefed up at the polling stations. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in and around the booths.
COVID guidelines to be followed
The Election Commission has directed the returning officers to ensure that face masks and social distancing should be maintained by the staff as well as the voters.
Following the guidelines, arrangements have been made for hand sanitisers and thermal screening at all the booths. There are medical teams deployed around the polling centres as well.
Security has been beefed up at the polling stations. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in and around the booths.
In the Council with strength of 75 members Congress has 28 members, BJP has 27 members, Janata Dal (Secular) has 14 members, one independent, one chairman and four vacant seats.
