The by-elections to the Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly constituencies concluded on Thursday with both seats recording turnout above 68%, amid scattered tensions, technical disruptions and allegations of inducements during the day.
According to figures released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), turnout reached 68.74% in Bagalkot and 68.43% in Davanagere South when polling closed.
Polling began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm, with participation crossing 20% only after the first four hours. Voting accelerated by early afternoon: by 1 pm, turnout stood at 37.17% in Davanagere South and 43.75% in Bagalkot.
Allegations of inducements and intimidation added to the day’s complications, with reports of voters being offered ₹500 in Wambe Colony in Navanagar, which falls under the Bagalkot assembly.
The Bagalkot police registered a First Information Report (FIR) after the video surfaced, and an inquiry was ordered into the matter.
A total of 34 candidates are contesting, with the principal contest between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
