Karnataka   

Democracy thrives here

KOLAR: In sharp contrast to the reported urban apathy and disinterest of educated sections of voters, the predominantly rural and backward Kolar and Chickballapur districts have shown a different trend of voting in the first phase of polling that ended on May 10.

While the overall polling percentage in the first phase was put at 66, the figures stood at 73.11 per cent for Kolar and 77.72 per cent for Chickballapur districts.

When compared to a dismal 44.5 per cent people exercising their franchise in Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) area, polling percentage registered in both these districts shows enthusiasm among the people; and also, it vindicates the strict enforcement of the poll code by the Election Commission of India.

The way people went to polling booths should serve as an eye opener to the educated, urban populace, it is felt. The turnout of female voters in the region was also a notable feature.

The following is the constituency-wise figures made available by the authorities in both the districts.

Kolar district: Kolar 70.23 per cent, Srinivaspur 83.26, Mulbagal 68.09, Kolar Gold Fields 62.99, Bangarpet 72.96 and Malur 81.70 per cent.

Chickballapur district: Chickballapur 78.77 per cent, Bagepalli 78.75, Gowribidnur 73.96, Chintamani 75.43 and Sidlaghatta 82.25 per cent.

The restrictions imposed on campaigning notwithstanding, there was a big turnout of voters. While Varthur Prakash, an independent candidate in Kolar, attributes it to the intense door-to-door campaigning, veteran Janata Dal(S) leader, K.M. Krishna Reddy, who is the party candidate in Chintamani, claims that it is the result of the poll panel’s measures.

Referring to the turnout of voters at Malappalli and Santhekallahalli booths in Chintamani town, Mr. Krishna Reddy gives full credit to the poll panel for the same. “People were not coming forward to vote due to the unfriendly atmosphere created by a particular party since 1952. But now the poll panel’s actions have made the voters come out and exercise their right without fear,” he added.

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