The polling conducted for the 106 constituencies under 10 Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) on Thursday was abysmally low. Polls were conducted in taluks of Athani, Bailhongal, Belagavi, Chikodi, Gokak, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Raibag, Ramdurg and Saundatti.
Deputy Commissioner Jayaram said 35.69 per cent polling was recorded. Hukkeri APMC recorded highest polling of 43.69 per cent, while Raibag APMC registered the lowest of 25.10 per cent. Polling for Belagavi APMC was 38.59 per cent, Khanapur 25.16 per cent, Bailhongal 37.01 per cent, Gokak 34.76 per cent, Saundatti 41.82 per cent, Ramdurg 36.04 per cent, Chikodi 37.87 per cent and Athani 35.08 per cent. A total of 10,72,676 people had votes.
The polling commenced as per schedule at 8 a.m. A substantial number of voters could not cast their ballot as they went to Yellamma Hill temple on the occasion of Banada Hunnime, while farmers were also busy with harvesting sugarcane crops, sources said, but did not rule out the impact of demonetisation.
Mr. Jayaram said polling was conducted for 106 of total 140 constituencies under APMCs. But for a minor incident at Kadoli, the polling was peaceful.
Counting of ballot papers would be held on Jan.14 (Saturday).
