Repolling conducted peacefully in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar

Bengaluru: Repolling at a polling station in Indiganatha village of Hanur, falling under the Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka, was conducted "peacefully" on Monday, amidst tight security measures, following a clash between groups that resulted in damage to EVMs.

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena informed PTI, "Repolling was good and it went peacefully. Almost 13.42 per cent votes have been cast."

The decision for repolling was made by the Election Commission after reports emerged of EVM damage during a clash at the polling booth in Indiganatha village on April 26.

Polling commenced at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm, without any untoward incidents reported during the process.

The clash erupted between two groups over the decision to participate in the Lok Sabha elections, with one faction advocating voting while the other sought to boycott. The altercation resulted in damage to EVMs and stone-pelting.

In response to the situation, the district administration engaged in efforts to address the grievances of villagers who had initially planned to boycott the polls due to perceived inadequacies in infrastructure development. Following assurances from local officials, polling commenced as scheduled.

The Election Commission, based on reports from the returning officer and general observer for the Chamrajnagar constituency, declared the polling held at the affected station void, prompting the decision for repolling.