Davanagere/Bagalkot: The vote counting for the highly anticipated Davanagere South and Bagalkot assembly constituency by-elections is taking place today. According to initial trends, Congress candidates in both constituencies have secured leads over their rivals.

Davanagere South: Samarth Shamanur Takes the Lead

The counting of votes for the Davanagere South constituency is being held at the city's DRR College. A total of 14 tables have been set up here, and the counting process will be completed in 21 rounds.

At the end of the 9th round: Samarth Shamanur of the Congress is leading by a margin of 2,000 votes against the BJP candidate, Srinivas Dasakariyappa.

Votes Polled: Samarth Shamanur has secured 27,878 votes, while Srinivas Dasakariyappa has polled 25,878 votes.

Bagalkot: Significant Lead for Umesh Meti

The vote-counting process is progressing rapidly at the University of Horticultural Sciences in Bagalkot. Counting will take place in 23 rounds with a total of 14 tables installed.

Current Status: Umesh Meti of the Congress has maintained a massive lead of 9,555 votes against the BJP's Veeranna Charantimath.

Votes Polled: Umesh Meti has garnered 60,977 votes, while Veeranna Charantimath has received 51,422 votes.

What Caused These By-Elections?

The two seats became vacant following the demise of senior Congress MLA H.Y. Meti in Bagalkot and the passing of veteran leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa in the Davanagere South constituency. The final results of the by-elections held in this context are expected to be fully out by this afternoon.