Karnataka by-polls: Voter turnout lower when compared to 2018 Assembly elections

Officials said an estimated 66.49% of the 37.78 lakh eligible voters cast their votes in the 15 segments till 6pm on December 5. According to the figures available, the highest turnout of 90.44% was recorded in Hosakote while the lowest was in KR Puram which recorded 43.25%.

Bengaluru: The crucial by-election to 15 Karnataka Assembly constituencies that would have a bearing on the stability of the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP government saw an estimated 66.49% voter turnout on Thursday and was by and large peaceful with a few incidents of EVM glitches and verbal spat between party workers.

Though it was at a slow pace in the first half of the day since polling began at 7am with only 33% till 1.30 pm, voting picked up later in the second half of the day though it was below the percentage recorded compared to the Assembly elections in 2018.

Officials said an estimated 66.49% of the 37.78 lakh eligible electors cast their votes in the 15 segments till 6 pm. The figure was likely to go up as at some places people standing in queues at closing time were allowed to vote.

Hoskote recorded the highest voting percentage at 90.44%, while the lowest of 43.25% was recorded at KR Puram. The four constituencies in the city clocked poor voter turnouts.

SL No	Constituency	Voting % during by-polls	Voting % during assembly polls 2018
1	Gokak	73.8	71.79
2	Athani	75.23	80
3	Yeshwanthpur	54.13	60.47
4	Kagwad	76.27	57
5	Shivajinagar	44.6	54.1
6	KR Pet	80	83.86
7	Vijayanagar	64.95	72.05
8	Hunsur	80.17	82.73
9	Hoskote	90.44	88.92
10	Mahalakshmi Layout	50.92	56
11	KR Puram	43.25	47.06
12	Chikkaballapur	86.4	87.86
13	Hirekerur	78.63	77.04
14	Ranebennur	73.53	77.04
15	Yellapur	77.52	79.08

The fates of the 13 disqualified MLAs who contested on a BJP ticket will be sealed on December 9 (Monday) and questions about survival of BS Yediyurappa-led government will be answered.