Personnel leaving for their respective polling stations after collecting polling paraphernalia from a mustering centre set up at Lamington School in Hubballi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE In order to enable eligible voters to cast their votes during polling in the elections to the Karnataka West Graduates Constituency of the Council scheduled for Friday, a one-day special casual leave will be granted.According to a release from Regional Commissioner of Belagavi Division and Returning Officer for the constituency K.M. Janaki, the special casual leave will be sanctioned subject to prior permission from the employer.She said that all Assistant Returning Officers and Deputy Commissioners in the constituency have been instructed to take necessary steps to facilitate voting by eligible voters employed in establishments, educational institutions, departments and organisations in accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act 1951.The instructions have been issued in accordance with the State government notification of Saturday, she added.HolidayMeanwhile, in view of the biennial elections, government offices, schools and colleges housing 137 polling stations in Dharwad, Haveri, Uttara Kannada and Gadag districts remain closed on Thursday.
There will also be a holiday during polling on Friday.The two-day holiday has been declared to facilitate the smooth conduct of the election process and maintain law and order, according to an official announcement. Published - October 22, 2026 07:26 pm IST