Indifferent voters worry parties in Gujarat

With the Assembly elections in Gujarat round the corner, political parties in the state are worried over the lack of enthusiasm among voters.

The elections are scheduled to be held in two phases, on December 13 and December 20. In the first phase, the Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions will go to the polls. However, lack of enthusiasm among the electorate has rattled the leaders of both BJP and Congress.

BJP spokesperson Vijay Rupani said the voters’ mood can be gauged only two days before the elections.

“Party workers are enthusiastic enough and they can create an environment that will convince the people to vote,’’ said Rupani. He claimed that the people have evinced interest in the elections, going by the encouraging turnout at the rallies. “It remains to be seen how
many actually come out to vote.”   

Speaking on the issue, Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said: “It is a matter of concern that the people of the state are not very interested in the elections, but that will be determined once the day of voting nears.’’

He said the party will try to ensure a commendable turnout, especially in the rural areas, where it enjoys a strong following. “For that, the Congress workers have to convince the people to come out and vote.”