The counting of votes for the Karnataka Legislative Council election for the West Graduates’ Constituency has commenced in Dharwad. The process began on Tuesday morning at the University of Agricultural Sciences, where counting staff have been instructed to ensure transparency at every stage. This election uses a preferential voting system, which means the counting could extend into the evening or even midnight, with multiple rounds of tallying anticipated.
The West Graduates’ Constituency encompasses the districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, and Uttara Kannada. Polling for this constituency took place on October 23, with a voter turnout reported at 75.62 per cent. Out of 97,400 registered voters, 73,658 exercised their franchise. The constituency is one of four seats for which counting is underway, alongside the South-East Graduates’, North-East Teachers’, and Bengaluru Teachers’ constituencies.
A total of 14 candidates are contesting for the West Graduates’ seat. Among the prominent contenders are the incumbent MLC and BJP candidate, S.V. Sankanur, who is aiming for a hat-trick after winning in 2014 and 2020, and the Congress candidate, Mohan Limbikai.
The election has been conducted with strict security measures in place at the counting centre, including three-layered security, CCTV surveillance in counting halls and strongrooms, and deployment of over 200 police personnel. Election officials have undergone multiple rounds of training to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process. The strongroom housing the ballot papers was opened shortly before the commencement of counting.
The Karnataka Legislative Council elections are significant as they offer insights into the political standing of parties among educated voters and professionals. While the results are not expected to impact the stability of the state government, a strong performance by the Opposition alliance could provide political leverage. The Congress currently holds a majority in the 75-member Council, with 38 members, followed by the BJP and JD(S) with 24 and six members, respectively.
This election saw a direct contest between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP-JD(S) alliance across the four constituencies. The polling across all four seats on October 23 recorded a total turnout of 2.01 lakh voters out of 3.43 lakh eligible voters. The West Graduates’ Constituency, along with the South-East Graduates’ Constituency, saw voter turnouts of 75.62 per cent and 73.58 per cent, respectively. The North-East Teachers’ and Bengaluru Teachers’ constituencies recorded higher turnouts of 86.97 per cent and 81.98 per cent, respectively.
The counting process adheres to established electoral guidelines, with additional assistant returning officers appointed to facilitate a smooth operation. The outcome of the West Graduates’ Constituency election, along with the other three, is expected to be declared late in the day, culminating the electoral process that began with polling on October 23.
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The Chenab Times News Desk