Active Stocks
Tue Mar 19 2024 09:21:05
  1. Tata Consultancy Services share price
  2. 4,032.40 -2.71%
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 149.10 -0.33%
  1. Power Grid Corporation Of India share price
  2. 266.25 0.47%
  1. Tata Motors share price
  2. 962.15 -1.03%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,440.45 -0.40%
Business News/ Elections 2019 / Assembly Elections 2019/  Is low turnout the cause of a close contest in Haryana?
BackBack

Is low turnout the cause of a close contest in Haryana?

As early trends show a close three cornered contest in the state, could a low turnout be a cause behind it?
  • A higher turnout has hence often resulted in decisive mandates
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had repeatedly requested voters to not skip voting during his campaign (ANI)Premium
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had repeatedly requested voters to not skip voting during his campaign (ANI)

    NEW DELHI : In 2014 assembly elections in which Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stormed to power in Haryana, it saw one of the highest turn out of 76.13%. Exactly five years later, the turnout for the assembly elections decreased drastically and polling was limited to only 68.47%. As early trends show a close three cornered contest in the state, could a low turnout be a cause behind it?

    Interestingly, in most state elections as well as Lok Sabha elections in May, turnouts have largely improved compared to previous elections. A higher turnout has hence often resulted in decisive mandates, including the Lok Sabha elections where BJP returned to power beating anti-incumbency of one term.

    Interestingly, the single phased polling in Haryana took place on Monday and there was a speculation that a section of voters may not turn up because of the extended weekend owing to polling day leave and ongoing festive season. Political parties particularly the BJP had sensed that this could impact the voter turnout. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had repeatedly requested voters to not skip voting during his campaign rallies urging them to perform their ‘national duty’.

    Now, as per early trends, while the BJP is slowly inching closer towards half way mark in the 90 member assembly, Congress is improving its tally compared to 2014 and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) is also leading in several seats. In 2014, Congress had won 15 assembly seats out of 90, while the BJP formed government with 47 seats.

    Along with Haryana, Maharashtra too went to polls on Monday and counting in both the seats began on Thursday morning. Maharashtra too saw a dip in turnout at 61.28% as compared to 63.08% in 2014 assembly elections.

    Haryana Polls 2019: Catch live counting day updates here

    Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

    Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
    More Less
    Published: 24 Oct 2019, 10:38 AM IST
    Next Story footLogo
    Recommended For You
    Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App