Karnataka polls: 70 per cent turnout! Neck-and-neck, but Congress still smiling!

BENGALURU: A mixed voter turnout during polling -high in some regions and moderate in other parts-could well be the reason for  indecisive mandate and claims and counter of leaders of Congress and the BJP of securing a majority in Assembly elections held on Saturday. 

With counting of votes scheduled for May 15, the state witnessed a notch lower poll percentage-70 as compared with 71.45 in 2013, but the pattern of polling varied from highest at 80 per cent in Ramanagara to 49 per cent in Bengaluru (North) and Bengaluru (South) but these figures hold the key to the final outcome. In North Karnataka, the voter turnout was lower than in 2013, with political analysts pointing out that low percentage of polling augured well for the Congress in several districts. In 2013, the Congress had won 16 of the  26 seats in the four districts of Bidar,  Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Raichur and the BJP, which had split into KJP and BSR parties, could manage to win only four seats. 

"Whenever there has been a higher percentage of voting, the result has gone in favour of the BJP.  Despite consolidation of BJP votes  this time, the possibility  of the saffron party doing better than in the last elections is bleak as overall there is a decline in voting percentage, which is advantageous to the Congress ," they argued. 

A good voters turnout has given hope to Congress and BJP in Mumbai-Karnataka as the leaders of both parties are confident of winning most number of Assembly seats in the region. The saffron party leaders claimed that the high voting percentage is a verdict against the ruling party as they believe that the first-time voters and youths  are influenced by the 'Modi wave' to a greater extent. But, Congress leaders are of the view that rise in voting percentage is attributed to the highest voting percentage by AHINDA communities and claimed that there is a large swing of these people towards their party after Chief Minister entered into the poll fray from the region.

It is perceived that though high voltage Badami constituency has witnessed large number of voting from Veerashaiva-Lingayats, almost all the votebank will fall into BJP's kitty. But, the victory of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will become easier if JD(S) candidate Hanumant Mavinamarad secured more votes of the community to which he belongs. The Congress leaders have made all efforts till last moment to ensure that all voters from Kuruba, minority and scheduled caste communities exercise their franchise in the constituency.

In the coastal region, an increase in voting percentage has boosted the confidence of BJP leaders though Congress leaders claim the spike in poll percentage could be due to an increase in the number of votes of minorities.

Udupi district registered 78.87 per cent turnout and Dakshina Kannada, 77.63 per cent, as against 76.15 per cent and 74.48 per cent respectively in 2013.

"This time we have witnessed very good turnout in the coastal districts which is likely to benefit us. Higher voter turnout means that we are in better position," BJP's state executive committee member Uday Kumar Shetty told Deccan Chronicle, adding "All booths have registered  a good turnout.

It is true that 2013 too had about 76 per cent vote in Udupi and 74 per cent in 2013. But the situation is different this time. The Modi wave, achievement of BJP and failure of Congress would definitely help us," he added.

Some Congress leaders too agreed that BJP candidates would benefit with an increase in voting. They however claim that the Congress too will benefit in constituencies where minorities are in large number.

In Old Mysuru region, all districts except Bengaluru (North), Bengaluru (South) and Bengaluru (Urban) recorded impressive poll percentage, indicating a tough contest between candidates of Congress and JD (S). The poll percentage dipped below the figure recorded in 2013, pointing at voter apathy despite efforts by various organizations to encourage voters to participate in the battle of ballots.