Bagalkot: The schedule for the much-anticipated Bagalkot Assembly constituency bye-election has been officially announced. District Collector and Election Officer Sangappa confirmed that the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect across the district immediately following the announcement.

Key Election Dates:

* Last Date for Filing Nominations: March 23

* Last Date for Withdrawal of Nominations: March 26

* Polling Date: April 9

* Counting of Votes & Results: May 4

Voter Demographics and Polling Stations

A total of 2,59,260 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Bagalkot Assembly constituency this time.

* Male Voters: 1,26,761

* Female Voters: 1,32,476

* Others: 23

* Young Voters: 4,188

* Voters with Disabilities (PwD): 2,633

The constituency will have 319 polling stations, with 143 located in urban areas and 176 in rural areas. Notably, there are 3,017 voters above the age of 85, including 38 centenarians (voters aged 100+).

Election Preparedness and Strict Regulations

The district administration has made extensive arrangements to ensure a transparent election process. A total of 9,597 personnel have been deployed for election duties.

* Surveillance Teams: 29 Sector Officers, 60 Flying Squads, 24 Check Posts, and 72 Static Surveillance Teams have been activated.

* Expenditure Limit: Each candidate is permitted a maximum expenditure of ₹40 lakh.

* Cash Regulations: The public can carry a maximum of ₹50,000 in cash without documentation. Carrying amounts exceeding this limit requires valid supporting documents. For Star Campaigners, the limit is set at ₹1 lakh.

Speaking at the press conference, DC Sangappa emphasized that strict measures are in place to prevent any election-related irregularities or malpractice.