Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122850400100.htm

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70 p.c. polling in eight constituencies

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Brisk and peaceful polling marked the byelection to the Assembly from eight constituencies in the State on Saturday.

Counting of votes will take place on Tuesday.

State Chief Electoral Officer M.N. Vidyashankar told The Hindu that polling was brisk through the day.

An average of 70 per cent of voters cast their vote in the eight constituencies. The percentage of voting was 77 in Maddur, Arabhavi and Hukkeri, while it was 50 in Deodurga.

In the May 2008 Assembly elections, the voting percentages recorded in the same eight constituencies were marginally lower by around five per cent.

In the byelection, the voting percentage in Doddaballapur was 71, Madhugiri 66, Turuvekere 68 and Karwar 64.

Re-polling

Sources in the Election Commission said that re-polling was likely in a few booths following some discrepancies. Janata Dal (S) candidate for Turuvekere segment M.T. Krishnappa reportedly attempted to barge into the office of returning officer Basavarajendra to complain against anomalies in the electoral rolls when he was prevented by the police. Mr. Krishnappa was later convinced by the authorities that photo electoral rolls were valid only from January 1, 2009.