Bypoll drama: Poll officials break EVM strong room lock in Karnataka after key goes missing

DAVANAGERE/BENGALURU: A dramatic start to counting day in Karnataka’s Davanagere South bypoll saw election officials forced to break open the EVM strong room after the key went missing, briefly delaying the process even as security personnel stood guard and procedures were followed under supervision.The incident occurred just as counting was set to begin, with officials struggling to access the strong room. Eventually, the lock was broken in the presence of observers and candidates to retrieve the electronic voting machines, allowing counting to proceed.Despite the early disruption, trends soon stabilised, with Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur taking a commanding lead. By the 12th round, he was ahead by 9,952 votes, securing 40,900 votes against BJP candidate Srinivas Dasakariyappa’s 30,948. The Davanagere South bypoll was necessitated following the death of senior leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa, making the contest a prestige battle between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.In Bagalkot, the Congress registered a decisive victory, with candidate Umesh Meti winning the seat by a margin of 21,866 votes after the final (23rd) round of counting. Meti secured 97,941 votes, defeating the BJP candidate who polled 76,075 votes.Earlier in the day, Meti had visited the Yalaguresh temple in Yalagur village to seek blessings as counting trends began to favour him. He was accompanied by Karnataka State Primary School Teachers Association president Chandru Nugli and supporters.The by-elections in both constituencies were triggered by the deaths of sitting MLAs in the state.With the Congress aiming to retain both seats and the BJP looking to make gains ahead of future electoral battles, the results are seen as a key test of strength for both parties amid ongoing political churn in Karnataka.