The state may be in the grip of political uncertainty because of differences in the BJP but that did not deter voters of the Udupi Chikmagalur parliamentary constituency from exercising their franchise peacefully on Sunday.
The constituency registered 65 per cent poling which was slightly less than the polling percentage of 68.18 recorded in 2009. Compared to the Malnad region, people in Udupi did not show much interest in exercising their franchise. Even in places like Chikmagalur and Mudigere Assembly constituencies, there was no rush of voters at poling booths.
In view of the tight security arrangements, there was a good turnout in Naxal affected villages in Karkala, Kundapura and Sringeri Assembly constituencies. The Election Commission had provided satellite phones to presiding officers in remote polling booths situated in NR Pura and Koppa taluks of Sringeri constituency.
In coffee estate dominated Chikmagalur district, coffee workers turned out to exercise their franchise in Indavara, Anuru, Alduru and Chitavalli polling booths and then left for work.