MUMBAI: As overall voter turnout was higher in six of the 14
Lok Sabha
constituencies that went to polls on Tuesday compared to 2014, it may be a cause of concern in NCP bastions in western Maharashtra. According to political experts, the results would be shocking—the NCP could either see a jump in number of votes polled or face a colossal, unforeseen defeat.
In the third phase of
LS polls
in the state, Baramati, Madha, Ahmednagar, Satara and Sangli—in western Maharashtra—and Aurangabad recorded
higher voter turnout
than in 2014. Kolhapur and Hatkanangle crossed 70% of voting, though it was slightly lesser than the 2014 polls.
This trend, said an expert, may be a good sign for Shiv Sena in Kolhapur, but in traditional NCP bastions, the results may surprise both the NCP and the BJP. “Compared to 2014, during the countrywide pro-Modi wave, this time, voting is ‘unexceptional’. This is a sign of ‘extreme’...as it can go either against or for the NCP,” said Prakash Pawar, professor at Shivaji University in Kolhapur.
He pointed out that one of the reasons for the rise in voter turnout could be the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi—an alliance of Prakash Ambedkar-led Bharip Bahujan Aghadi and AIMIM led by Asaduddin Owaisi, contesting all 48 seats in Maharashtra. “The VBA has given representation to the ‘neglected community’ who might have come to the polling booths in a show of strength,” he said.
Another expert said the BJP has campaigned extensively in western Maharashtra under the leadership of Maratha leader Chandrakant Patil even as
Sharad Pawar concentrated more on Baramati. A state BJP minister said: “If more first-time voters have come to polling booths, the BJP will surely benefit. Even if the party doesn’t do well, we will be back in the upcoming assembly polls.”
In Pune, there seemed no eagerness among over 50% of the electors to vote. From 54.1% in 2014, the overall voter turnout dropped to 49.8%. On Tuesday, the initial estimated turnout was 52%.
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