Karnataka voters unfazed by summer heat, 60 pc voting in Phase-II

Bangalore, May 16 (UNI) Unfazed by the scorching heat, an estimated 60 per cent of out of total 1.10 crore electorate exercised their franchise in the second phase polling held for 66 Seats in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly today.

In the politically volatile Bellary District, where 'mine kings' Anil Lad of Congress, former Minister Sriramulu, Somashekar Reddy, and Karunakara Reddy all from BJP among others are in the fray in the second phase. The polling which was rather tardy in the morning picked up well in afternoon despite mercury touching 41 degree Celsius in the districts of Bellary and Raichur. In Bellary only nine per cent of polling was cast in the first three hours.

In the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada despite the sweltering heat people thronged the booths right from 0700 hrs start of the polling process.

The heat took its toll when a 60-year old women collapsed and died as she could not withstand heat while standing in the long queue at a polling booth in Puchabettu School in Nullur Village in Karkala taluk of Udupi District.

Incidentally, two persons were shot dead last night by naxalites belongong to CPI(Maoists) group at Hebri in this taluk.

In Malnad belt coming under the Western Ghats, known for its sublime weather, the sun beat down the heads of the voters.

However braving heat condition more than 60 percent voters cast their votes in Shimoga District while it was 63 in Chikmagalur.

Shikaripur in Shimoga which is witnessing a fierce fight between two giants -- BJP Chief Ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa and Samajwadi Party state Chief S Bangarappa the polling an estimated at 71 per cent of the electorate turned up for voting.

The town witnessed a bandh like situation as all roads led to polling booths and people did nothing through the day but talk about who would win among the two stalwarts.

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