Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 27: The Someshwar municipal council witnessed an enthusiastic voter turnout on Wednesday December 27, marking the first phase of elections. Until afternoon, a commendable 32% of registered voters exercised their right to vote, reflecting a peaceful and participatory electoral process.

The backdrop to this event is significant as Someshwar, previously the largest gram panchayat in the state, transitions into a municipal council after winning the civic polls. The first phase of elections, being held, boasts a total of 50 candidates (25 male and 25 female candidates) vying for positions in the 23 wards of the municipal council. The polls witnessed the participation of 22,502 voters across these wards.

The political landscape is intriguing as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), dominant in Someshwar for the past 30 years, faces stiff competition from the Congress party. In a scenario where BJP and Congress compete in 18 out of 19 wards, a compelling competition ensues, with the third candidate securing victories in one ward. The remaining four wards showcase a diverse competition involving BJP, Congress, CPI(M), AAP, Social Welfare Party, and Independent candidates, marking a robust democratic process.

The elections feature 23 polling centers across 6 schools, including the government higher primary school in Kumpala and the Stella Maris English Medium School. Notably, the largest voter turnout is witnessed in the government higher primary school in Kumpala and the Anandashrama School, each hosting eight polling booths. The Stella Maris English Medium School serves as a single polling center.

Empowering women in the democratic process, out of the 22,502 voters in Someshwar, 11,697 are female, and 10,503 are male. Inclusivity is further highlighted by the participation of two transgender voters, emphasizing the democratic ethos of ensuring everyone's right to vote.

Assistant commissioner Harsha and tahsildar Puttaraju, visited the polling centers to oversee and ensure a smooth voting process. They addressed the media, urging all citizens to actively participate in the democratic process without any hindrance. Their emphasis on maintaining a peaceful electoral environment resonated well, as evident from the 32% voter turnout by afternoon.