Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituencies witnessed robust voter participation, with a tentative turnout of 77.4% and 76.1% respectively by 6 pm on Friday.
In comparison to the 2019 polls, Dakshina Kannada saw a slight dip from 77.9% to 77.4%, while Udupi witnessed a minor increase from 75.8% to 76.1%.
Among the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, polling percentages varied with Sullia recording the highest at 78.4%, followed by Belthangady at 75.6%, Puttur at 75.2%, Bantwal at 73.7%, Mangalore at 73.5%, Mangalore City North at 69.8%, and Mangalore City South at the lowest with 61.8%.
Despite urban apathy, Banjarumale, a remote village in Belthangady taluk, achieved 100% polling with all 111 voters casting their votes two hours before polling concluded. Additionally, an interior polling station at Elaneer in the same taluk recorded 82% polling by 4 pm, out of 471 voters.
The district has a total of 18,18,127 voters, including 9,30,928 females, 8,87,122 men, and 77 transgender individuals.
Transgender individuals who participated in the voting process commended the administration’s arrangements.
In Dakshina Kannada, a closely contested battle is expected between Captain Brijesh Chowta of the BJP and Padmaraj R Poojary from the Congress.
In the Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency, until 7 pm, a 76.1% voter turnout was recorded. Notable turnout rates were observed in assembly constituencies of Udupi district, with Kundapur leading at 79.1%, followed by Kaup at 79.1%, Karkala at 78.5%, and Udupi at 75.8%.
For the assembly constituencies of Chikkamagaluru district, Sringeri recorded 80.2% polling, followed by Mudigere at 75.1%, Tarikere at 73.2%, and Chikmagalur at 69%.
The total electorate in the constituency is 15,85,162, including 7,68,215 men, 8,16,910 women, and 37 others. Kota Shrinivas Poojari of the BJP and K Jayaprakash Hegde of the Congress are prominent contenders in this constituency.
