Thousands of people turned up in front of Maharaja's Pre-University College on Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road in Mysuru, where counting of votes cast for Gram Panchayat constituencies of Mysuru taluk is underway on Friday.
Amid scenes of jubilation by victorious candidates and their supporters, the police had to resort to mild caning several times to keep the restive crowd at the stipulated distance away from the counting centre,
Traffic was affected on JLB Road and surrounding areas in view of the large crowd milling around the counting centre, where counting of votes for 37 Gram Panchayat constituencies was underway.
Traffic police had barricaded entry of vehicles on the stretch of JLB Road from Ramaswamy Circle to Maharani's College. Motorists including City buses were forced to ply on alternate routes, which were also choked due to diversion of additional vehicles.
The crowds spilled on D. Devaraj Urs Road, Krishna Vilas Road and Rama Vilas Road, besides Oval Grounds. Four-wheelers and two-wheelers were found parked on lanes and by-lanes. Tea stalls, push-cart vendors dealing in cucumber, peanuts and fruit juices did a roaring business.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shekar H.T. told The Hindu that the police had taken several preventive measures including deploying a large number of police force. Apart from senior police officials including Assistant Commissioners, Inspectors and Sub Inspectors of Police, more than 350 constables including 40 women, four platoons of CAR and two platoons of KSRP had been deployed. A commando force comprising 25 personnel and mounted police personnel had been stationed at the counting centre.
The counting of votes is expected to continue till 9 p.m., he said.