Slow start in Belagavi
The Hindu
Belagavi
Polling in the Legislative Council elections was slow in the morning in Belagavi on Monday. But it picked up by evening.
Officials estimated that around 80% voting was recorded in the West Teachers Constituency while around 60% of graduates in the North West Graduates Constituency came out to vote. The actual figures could be higher, they say.
There were no untoward incidents anywhere in Belagavi, Vijayapura or Bagalkot districts.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Anil Benake violated the model code of conduct when he entered a booth and spoke to polling officials in Visveswaraya Nagar. He also used his mobile phone to make calls to his acquaintances. Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil said that a case will be registered once the polling officers filed a complaint.
Member of Legislative Assembly Abhay Patil has said that the money seized by the police after a tip-off by BJP workers in Vijayapura belonged to Congress candidate Prakash Hukkeri.
Mr. Patil demanded that the Election Commission of India take action against the Congress candidate. The Congress is trying to corrupt teachers. But it will not succeed, he said.
BJP candidate Arun Shahapur also made a similar charge saying that the Congress’ illegal acts will not affect his chances.