Karnataka Assembly By-Polls: 60 percent voter turnout as of 5:30 pm

An estimated 60 per cent of the total 37.78 lakh voters have exercised their franchise until 5:24 pm in 15 assembly constituencies on Thursday. The results of which would decide the fate of the four month old BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government in the state of Karnataka.

According to voters turnout statistics, the highest turnout of voters was recorded in Chikkaballapura with 79.8 per cent, and the lowest was recorded at KR Puram in Bangaluru with 37.5 per cent.

The two other constituencies in the capital city of Bangaluru have also recorded relatively lower turnouts Mahalakshi- 40.47 per cent, Shivajinagar- 41.13, officials said.

Voters turnout in other constituencies are: 70.73 per cent, Kagwad- 69.76, Gokak- 66.64, Yellapur- 72.23, Hirekerur- 72.42, Ranebennur- 67.92, Vijayanagara- 58.93, Yeshwanthpura- 48.34, Hoskote- 76.19, K R Pete- 75.87, and Hunsur- 74.47, they said.

The bypolls are being conducted to fill the berth caused by the disqualification of 17 rebel Congress and JD(S) MLA’s, whose revolt led to the fall of the HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

Elections to two seats Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Maski are not held today as seperate election petitions challenging the results of the 2018 polls are pending in the Karnataka High Court.

In 13 of the 15 seats, the BJP has fielded Congress-JD(S) turncoats. The ruling party needs to win at least six of the 15 seats to remain in majority.

A total number of 165 candidates, 156 men and 9 women are in the fray of the by-elections.

Also Read: Karnataka Assembly By-polls: 46.62 per cent voter turn out till 3pm