With no apparent 'wave' or euphoria surrounding any party or leader in the state, and the confusion caused by last minute break-ups of two major alliances, observers predicted a lower turnout in the assembly polls, which is now a multipolar contest.
What usually interests voters?
An issue with mass appeal or focus on a particular leader usually rake up voter interest. For example, a 'wave' in favour of now prime minister Narendra Modi had been instrumental in the 60.36% voter turnout in Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha polls, with BJP successfully raking up inflation, scams of the previous UPA government and presenting “development” as their poll promise. This seemed to have touched the common man, and the voter turnout jumped to a highest ever figure of 66%, a whopping 10% rise from the 55% in 2009 Lok Sabha polls which didn’t see any wave or major poll issue with mass appeal. The Delhi assembly elections, in which Aam Aadmi Party raked up corruption issues, had a record 75% voter turnout.
What's missing this time?
Observers say no such hype or an issue which touches the chord can be seen in Maharashtra this time. Dr Tushar Jagtap, a dermatologist and social worker, says, “No party is discussing any real issue this time. Congress-NCP’s misrule and corruption, poor health and civic infrastructure are not being talked about by opposition parties. Even parties who claim to work for Dalits and farmers are hungry for power. This has left people devastated and excitement for polls has subsided.”
Youths say there are too many candidates vying for one seat now, adding to the confusion and lack of enthusiasm.
“While holding assembly polls months after the Lok Sabha polls is one of the factors for low enthusiasm among voters, political parties have also failed to create the atmosphere as they did in April-May when they were together. This is likely to lead to lower turnout among 30-60 year-old voters, which would hurt Sena and BJP more than the Congress or NCP,” says Uttara Sahastrabuddhe, a professor of politics at Mumbai University.
What does the EC think?
Election commission officials are also worried and are trying their best to encourage voters to come out on October 15 by approaching schools and housing societies for awareness.
What are parties saying?
Party leaders however trashed these claims. “People have now realised their mistake of electing BJP at the Centre, which did nothing except polarising the nation. They will vote us to power once again,” said a Congress leader. A BJP leader claimed that the campaign would pick up from Sunday and there is still 15 days' time.
How have alliance break-ups affected voters?
Youths excited by the aggressive campaign trail of the Sena-BJP in the state during the Lok Sabha polls, are feeling cheated now. “Their break-up is sad. We voted for the less educated Sena candidate Rajan Vichare who also faces criminal charges only because then the BJP was with Sena and Modi had given us hope of job growth and development,” said a Mumbai University student. Even party workers of BJP, Sena, NCP and Congress who worked hard for allies are saying the same.
Voter turnouts
In 2014 Lok Sabha polls
India: 66.4%
Maharashtra: 60.36%
In 2009 Lok Sabha polls
India: 58.2%
Maharashtra: 50.7%
In 2009 assembly elections
Maharashtra: 61.5%
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