- Monday, February 24, 2025
The Election Commission and various companies in the city had taken initiatives to encourage people to come out to vote but they were not much successful.
By: Shubham Ghosh
IN a disappointing outcome for the Election Commission of India, nearly half of the population of Bengaluru, India’s information technology capital, did not turn up to cast ballots in the national elections on Friday (26) when the second phase was held.
While the southern state of Karnataka, of which Bengaluru is the capital, saw more than 69 per cent voter turnout in its 14 parliamentary constituencies that went to the polls, the three constituencies in Bengaluru — Bangalore Central, Bangalore North and Bangalore South — saw a much lower participation rate from the voters.
According to reports, the turnout in Bangalore Central was 52.81 per cent; Bangalore North 54.42 per cent and Bangalore South 53.15 per cent.
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The scenario was not much different in the previous elections held in 2019 when the three constituencies witnessed the turnout of 54.32 per cent, 54.76 per cent and 53.70 per cent, respectively.
The commission officials were dejected since extensive arrangements made to increase the participation did not lead to desired results.
A top official said the truth is that there is no explanation for it.
Read: Free food, taxi rides to woo voters in India’s Bengaluru
While some polling officials said extreme summer heat could be one of the reasons why people did not go out to vote. However, Bangalore Rural saw a voter turnout in excess of 67 per cent. Another reason could be the absence of people in the city since several migrants who constitute a sizable section of Bengaluru’s population visit their home states and towns during this time of the year when schools are closed for summer vacation.
Read: India elections second phase see 61% turnout
In Mandya and Kolar, for instance, the turnout was more than 81 and 78 per cent, respectively.
The Election Commission in Karnataka came up with many initiatives to boost the turnout in the ongoing election in the city-based constituencies — from encouraging the people to use various apps to putting QR codes on voter slips to locate polling stations.
Among other measures taken were starting a voter helpline, updating details about the number of voters in queue and providing parking facilities at polling booths, especially in Bengaluru. An elaborate election management plan was also put in place.
Many companies and business establishments offered a host of incentives – including free food and taxi rides – to encourage people to cast ballots, BBC reported.
Hotels, taxi services, and other firms also announced initiatives to boost voter turnout.
The high court of Karnataka allowed an association of hotels to provide food for free or at discounted prices while honouring election guidelines.
Customers needed to show their fingers stained with indelible ink as proof of their voting to avail the benefits at food outlets.
Some restaurants also offered free coffee, dosas, and fruit juice, while others plan to provide discounts on food as measures to encourage people to cast ballots.
The poll commission had also come up with better facilities at the urban polling stations based on the feedback they received following a survey in the areas that saw a low voter turnout in the Karnataka assembly election last year and the previous general elections.
(With agency inputs)
