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From 69.43 per cent and 70 per cent in 2019 to 65 and 64 per cent in 2024. We are talking about the dip in percentage of votes in the first two phases this year.
Talking to a plethora of people different people have different perspectives. Senior Congress leader Arunava Ghosh says “It is because of the heat.”
Actress and filmmaker Sudeshna Roy says it is because of the heat and also the fear that BJP is creating among people not to vote even in West Bengal.
BJP supporter Parthasarathi Dasgupta is of the view that lack of interest in politics is also a factor. “Heat is a factor but lack of interest is also a key. Youth is least interested and we above 40 discuss politics,” he says.
A shopkeeper adds, “Heat is a reason but more than that people are distraught. Look at the economy. Who is bothered?”
Interestingly in West Bengal it has been a record turnout of voters of over 70 per cent in Phase 2, which is surprising but even it showed a disappointing trend, as in 2019, it was over 80 per cent, many feel. “It should have been much more,” an expert says.
Tripura and Manipur had high percentage of voters but overall, the mood is somber.
Another local who hails from Bihar says, “We will vote but to whom. Same is the condition everywhere.”
Apart from heat, apathy of candidates towards contentious issues is also a major reason.
Journalist Snehashish Pramanick agrees. “Where is the interest level? Heat is a factor but there is so much of corruption. People have lost interest in politics,” he says.
Analyst Nabendu Roy Chowdhury puts it, “It is predictable. People know Narendra Modi will be in power. So what is the point voting?” he asks.
Even the poorer lot is least interested. One of them says, “We will vote just for the sake of voting.”
Phase 3 is scheduled for May 7 and it remains to be seen how it works. But the overall mood is not that emboldening.
Is anybody listening? People are even least interested to talk.
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