According to the most recent data, Bengaluru recorded 52% voter turnout, which is significantly lower than the city’s polling percentages in 2018 (57%) and 2013 (62%).
Poor voting in Bengaluru
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, this year, the total turnout of the state at 5 pm stood at 65.69%. The polling began at 7 am for the single-phase Assembly election and ended at 6 pm on Wednesday.
The data added that the polling percentages in Bengaluru were: BBMP (Central) at 55.05%, BBMP (North) at 50.02%, BBMP (South) at 51.59% and Bengaluru Urban at 53.71 %.
Though the Election Commission expected a spike in voter turnout in Bengaluru after scheduling the polls in the middle of a week, the city did not show any surprise as of 10 pm on Wednesday. And interestingly, the BBMP had set up 264 theme-based polling booths in the IT city in order to attract urban voters. Among the themes were youth, pink, the environment, science and technology, and sports. But it all went in vain.
While Yelahanka and Yeshwanthpur had voter turnouts of 57% and 57.9%, respectively, CV Raman Nagar had the lowest at 42.10% and BTM Layout had the highest at 46.72%.
The Data shows poor performance
There are 97.1 lakh voters in Bengaluru, including BBMP Central (17.9 lakh), BBMP North (21.9 lakh), BBMP South (20.5 lakh), and Bengaluru Urban (36.7 lakh). Only the Yeshwanthpura constituency witnessed good polling this time, with a turnout of 63%, while other constituencies managed anywhere between 50% and 55% on average. BBMP Central, BBMP North and BBMP South recorded turnouts of 55%, 51% and 52% respectively. Bangalore Urban recorded a turnout of 56%. Reported Indian Express.
In comparison to previous elections, voter turnout in the city was low. The EC hoped for a 75% turnout in Karnataka and a 65-70% turnout in Bengaluru. On election day, the state government also declared a paid holiday for all employees. It had also held several awareness campaigns, including walkathons, street plays, and campaigns.
Prof MN Sreehari, who is an infrastructure advisor and expert, expressed disappointment at the poor performance of polling in Bengaluru and said, “The same IT/ Bengaluru urban people only comment on infrastructure and its inadequacy while blaming elected representatives.” Quoted Hindustan Times.
“Shame on Bangaloreans for this poor performance of voting, being an IT and intellectual capital of India. Around 50% is really miserable. It may be due to a holiday for people not to vote but to tour or stay at home without voting is not okay. Next election, the government should not give a holiday and on the other hand, booths should be opened at all offices,” Sreehari added.
