Dharwad
The Election Commission of India (ECI), noticing lower-than-expected polling percentages in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Central and Southern Karnataka on April 26, has intensified efforts to emphasize the importance of voting. They aim to boost turnout in the upcoming phases of polling.
On May 7, 14 constituencies in North Karnataka are set to go to polls. District Returning Officers (DROs) in North Karnataka districts are directly visiting voters door-to-door to motivate them to exercise their rights and participate actively in the democratic process.
Recognizing that urban educated voters may prioritize voting despite various incentives, the DROs are targeting rural voters, known for their enthusiastic participation in elections.
Dharwad Deputy Commissioners Divya Prabhu, Bagalkot Deputy Commissioner KM Janaki, and Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner T Bhoobalan, who are also the district returning officers of their respective districts, are extensively touring their districts and engaging with the public.
Divya Prabhu visited numerous villages in Dharwad taluk, informing residents about the importance of voting in the election.
The administration has assigned Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other polling officials to visit households within their polling booths and verify whether voters’ names are on the final voters’ list. Additionally, officials are distributing voters’ slips well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
Divya urged voters to come to polling booths between 7 am and 6 pm on May 7 and cast their votes without being swayed by freebies.
