GP polls: 14.5% votes casts in DK dist including local leaders

Mangaluru: The first phase of the Gram Panchayat general election is underway in Mangaluru, Bantwal and Moodabidre taluks of the Dakshina Kannada district today.

Voters have been arriving at polling booths since early morning. A total of 14.48 per cent voting took place in the Dakshina district till 9 am: 14.6 per cent in Mangaluru taluk, 15.64 per cent in Moodabidri taluk and 13.75 at Bantwal taluk.

MLAs and ex-ministers too cast their vote early in the morning.

Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Ulipadiguttu voted at the Tenka Adepadavu School in the Mangaluru North, while UT Khadar voted at the Jaradagudde school in Boliar Rantadka.

Former minister B Ramanath Rai voted at Todambeel school in Kallige.

Sri Mohandas Paramahansa Swamiji of Manila Sridhama Mahalakshmi Kshetra voted at the Muruva school in Manila village.

Power cuts at Kuttaru school in Mangaluru taluk from 4:30 am forced polling personnel to perform their duties using candlelight and mobile phone torchlights.