An economist at SBI, Soumya Kanti Ghosh, dismissed concerns about low voter turnout in the first two phases of the 2024 general elections, labeling them as a "myth." He suggested that analyzing the absolute number of votes cast provides a better measure of turnout. Ghosh noted a 0.4 percent increase in the absolute number of votes cast in the initial phases. While acknowledging a 3.1 percentage point deviation from the 2019 voting trend, Ghosh predicted a potential "J-shaped" growth in the remaining phases.
India News: MUMBAI: Terming concerns on low voter turnout in the first two phases of 2024 general elections a "myth", an economist at the country's largest lender.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attributed the low voter turnout in the first two phases of Lok Sabha elections to outdated electoral rolls and lack of competition. He mentioned that the electoral rolls had been revised after twelve years, and the absence of strong opposition affected voter enthusiasm. Despite this, Shah expressed confidence in the NDA s ability to secure over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, citing a detailed analysis by his party s team.
Rajajinagar MLA and former minister S Suresh Kumar said, “I had made repeated appeals to the EC, urging them to schedule elections on weekdays other than Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. When polling days coincide with Fridays and the following day is declared a holiday, it often turns into an extended weekend for many, leading them to prioritise leisure over voting.