Mangaluru: Final preparations are in place for the upcoming by-election to the Legislative Council from the Dakshina Kannada Local Authorities Constituency, set to take place on October 21. This election is pivotal for both Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, as it involves a significant electorate.
The constituency comprises a total of 392 polling stations and 6,032 eligible voters. The electorate is made up of elected members from various local bodies, including Gram Panchayats and urban local authorities in both districts, as well as MLAs and MPs.
In Dakshina Kannada district, 3,263 members from 223 Gram Panchayats will vote, along with 65 from Mangaluru City Corporation, 64 from two town municipalities, 74 from three town panchayats, and 86 from five town panchayats. This results in 3,552 voters (1,710 men and 1,842 women) across 234 polling stations.
In Udupi district, the voting demographic includes 2,355 members from 153 Gram Panchayats, 36 from Udupi City Municipality, 72 from three town panchayats, and 17 from one town panchayat, amounting to 2,480 voters (1,195 men and 1,285 women) across 158 polling stations.
Key Statistics
- Highest Polling Stations: Belthangady taluk has the most polling stations, totalling 49.
- Most Voters: Bantwal taluk has the highest number of voters, with a total of 793.
- Fewest Polling Stations and Voters: Hebri taluk has the least, with only 9 polling stations and 122 voters.
The counting of votes will occur on October 24 at St. Aloysius Pre-University College in Mangaluru. Four candidates are competing in this by-election:
- Kishor B.R. (BJP)
- Raju Poojary (INC)
- Anwar Sadat S. (SDPI)
- Dinakar Ullal (Independent)
As the date of the by-election approaches, the stage is set for a significant electoral event in the Dakshina Kannada Local Authorities Constituency. With a diverse electorate and multiple candidates vying for the position, the results could have important implications for local governance and party dynamics in the region.