BANGALORE: The counting of votes for the by-election held in Jayanagar assembly constituency in South Bangalore in Karnataka is currently underway under the watchful eyes of the Election Commission. The vote count began at 8 am on Wednesday.
The by-elections in Jayanagar assembly constituency were held on Monday and 55% voter turnout was registered. Voting was by and large peaceful, according to the election commission officials.
Polling in Jayanagar was countermanded following the death of BJP candidate BN Vijayakumar.
The BJP had fielded the deceased MLA’s brother BN Prahlad. The Congress retained its original choice, former minister Ramalinga Reddy’s daughter R Sowmya Reddy for the seat.
Both are political novices. The Janata Dal (Secular) withdrew its candidate in support of the Congress.
The BJP went ahead with the little-known Prahlad despite opposition from its corporators in the constituency, some of whom aspired for a nomination. The party, however, decided to bet on the sympathy factor and fielded the late MLA’s brother.
A total of 19 candidates were in the fray in the constituency which has a total electorate of 2,03,184.
Sanjiv Kumar, the chief electoral officer, said polling was event-free barring a few minor incidents.
Curiosity levels about the outcome of the polls are high particularly after the JD(S) withdrew its candidate, Kalegowda, to support the Congress.
Ahead of the counting of votes, poll officials said elaborate arrangements have been made at SSMRV College, the counting centre.
After the polling on Tuesday, EVMs were taken to NMKRV College and stored in a strong room, before being transferred to SSMRV.
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in full strength.
Bureau Report
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