Assembly poll: 55% turn out in Jayanagar constituency
Result on June 13
Bengaluru, June 11: The election of the Jayanagar Assembly constituency which was postponed due to the death of BJP candidate Vijay Kumar, was held on Monday with tight police security. Total 55 per cent voters turned out to the polling stations in the capital city. Counting of votes would be held on June 13.
Out of total 3,12,252 voters, only 1,11,689 voters including 56,865 men came out of their comfort zone and exercised their votes, according to the sources of the Election Commission.
Voting started from 7 am at all the 216 polling stations on a slow pace. But by 11 am, only 22 per cent voting was registered and it has reached to 34.5 per cent at 1 pm. At 5 pm, only 51 per cent of voters exercised their votes. But the entire polling was peaceful without any untoward incidents.
Noted personalities cast their votes
Jayanagar constituency is known as an educated extension and noted personalities are residing in the layout. Most of them exercised their votes in the morning standing in long queues. Freedom fighter HS Doreswamy, despite his age-related problems, came in the queue and cast his vote. Nadoja Baraguru Ramachandrappa, senior actor Sundar Raj, his daughter Meghana Raj exercised their votes at booth number 173 at AV Education School at JP Nagar. Actress Tara Anuradha and some of the candidates also cast their votes.
Technical snag in EVM
Because of the technical problem in the EVM at polling booth 216 at Clarence Public School, the voting process started one hour late. But actor ‘Mukyamantri’ Chandru, who came to exercise his vote, returned home saying that he would come later.
Tight security
Total 216 polling booths including five pink polling stations were set up in the constituency and all polling stations were given tight police security. CCTV cameras were installed in sensitive polling stations along with 10 paramilitary forces and 350 police personnel. Apart from these, 10 sector mobile squads were also deputed. As 42 polling stations were identified as sensitive, the police department has taken more care.
Though winning the constituency is a prestigious issue for opposition BJP, Congress which won the RR Nagar assembly constituency, is hoping of cracking the strong fort of the BJP. If the BJP won the constituency, it would increase its tally in the Assembly. So, the BJP has fielded BN Prahlad Babu, brother of Vijay Kumar and Soumya Reddy, daughter of Ramalinga Reddy contested from the Congress. Apart from them, Ravi Krishna Reddy gave a tough contest as an independent candidate. Total 19 candidates were in the fray and the result will be out on June 13.
- Total votes polled: 1,11,689
- Women: 54,824
- Men: 56,865
Result on Wednesday
The counting of votes will be held on Wednesday. The EVMs were stored in the strong room at NMKRV College. The counting of votes will be held from 8 am and by noon, a clear picture will be available.
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Trump unveils fast-track ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme for wealthy foreigners
Washington: President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa programme that offers wealthy foreigners an expedited path to US citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million. Announcing the initiative on social media on Wednesday, Trump described the offering, called the Trump Gold Card, as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The programme promises residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee as proof of that benefit. Businesses sponsoring foreign employees will need to pay $2 million, with additional charges depending on the applicant’s circumstances. A “platinum” version with special tax incentives is expected to be introduced for $5 million.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their documents are reviewed.
BBC reported that the scheme has drawn criticism from Democrats since its first announcement earlier this year, who argue that it unfairly prioritises the wealthy. When Trump initially outlined the plan, he likened the visa to a green card but stressed that it targeted “high-level” professionals. “We want people that are productive,” he said, adding that those who can pay $5 million “are going to create jobs.”
The launch of the programme comes at a time when the administration has sharply intensified its immigration crackdown. The US has increased fees for work visas and expanded efforts to deport undocumented migrants. Immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East which are covered under the administration’s travel ban remain paused.
The government has also halted decisions on asylum cases and announced a review of thousands of approvals issued during President Joe Biden’s tenure. In September, Trump signed an order introducing a $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B programme for skilled workers, prompting concern among international students and technology companies. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to applicants currently living outside the United States.
