Fourteen candidates remain in Karnataka West Graduates’ poll

Four candidates have withdrawn, leaving 14 contenders for the Karnataka West Graduates’ Constituency election. Polling is scheduled for October 23.

The constituency has 97,398 registered graduate voters. Returning Officer K.M. Janaki said 137 polling stations, including 128 main and nine auxiliary stations, would be set up across Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri and Uttara Kannada districts.

Eighteen people filed nomination papers. On Friday, R.M. Kuberappa, Saleem Mahmad Haneef Jawali, Suresh S. Bishtanagoudar and Imran Koodal withdrew. The remaining candidates include Indian National Congress nominee Mohan Limbikai and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate S.V. Sankanur.

Dharwad has the largest electorate, with 35,117 registered voters. Gadag has 21,594, Haveri 24,648 and Uttara Kannada 16,039. Officials said polling stations would have basic amenities and staff would receive training.

The election will use paper ballots and will not include a None of the Above option. Votes will be counted at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad. The returning officer said two violations of the election code had been reported.