Dakshina Kannada records 74% in GP polls

MANGALURU: Dakshina Kannada recorded 74% polling in the election held for 227 gram panchayats in the district on Friday. While there are 3,399 seats in the district, 109 candidates were elected unopposed. Hence, the election was held for 3,288 seats and the number of candidates in fray was 7,619. The district had recorded 61.30% polling by 3pm and by end of the election hours at 5pm the percentage stood at 74. Election in two seats has been postponed following confusion related to symbols and errors in ballot paper. Election for one seat in Bandharu gram panchayat in Belthangady taluk was postponed due to confusion with regard to symbols of candidates. Meanwhile, election to one seat in Padu Perar gram panchayat in Mangaluru taluk was postponed as the symbol of one candidate was not printed on the ballot. Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said that election for two seats will be held on May 31. Election was by and large peaceful with no untoward incidents reported in the district. Voters suffered due to heavy rains in few villages, especially in Naravi of Belthangady taluk. There are 10,16,024 voters in the district and the district administration had set up 1,212 polling stations to make election process smooth. Election was held for 55 GPs in Mangaluru taluk, 57 in Bantwal taluk, 46 in Belthangady, 41 in Puttur and 28 GPs in Sullia. Election was not be held for Kotekar GP in Mangaluru taluk and Vitla in Bantwal taluk as both local bodies have been upgraded to town panchayats. Meanwhile, election was not be held in Pudu GP in Bantwal taluk, Venur and Arambodi villages in Belthangady as the term of the existing members yet to be completed. Election was not held for two seats as no candidates have submitted nominations. The counting of votes will be held on June 5. -TOI