BBMP poll on July 28: Election-day holiday to extend Weekend

BENGALURU: The last time Bengalureans voted for a municipal council, only 45% of them turned out to exercise their franchise. That was five years ago. The magnitude of civic problems has only amplified since then. With elections scheduled for July 28, the turnout this time remains a question, what with a long weekend preceding the poll day .

That July 28, a Tuesday , is a general holiday in view of the civic elections gives Tejasvi L Murthy , a communications professional, a perfect reason to plan a long-pending trip to Hampi.“Apart from the weekend, a day's leave on Monday will extend the holiday to four days. I really want to vote, but I must enroll again because my ward changed after my marriage. I'm in two minds actually ," the 27-year old resident of Tatanagar said.

Tejasvi's dilemma haunts many others who, now aided by increased mobility and good highways, are looking to get away from the city at the slightest excuse. According to city in-charge minister Ramalinga Reddy , there is little that can be done. “In the parliamentary elections, those in apartments came out to vote and the percentage increased by 10%.People have to realise the importance of electing good candidates who will represent them for five years," Reddy told ET.

In 2010, Varthur had the highest polling with 61.59%. Its neighbour Bellandur had the lowest with 29.26%. In the recent past, with the civic body making news for a slew of corruption charges, its popularity could be at an all-time low. Added to this was the dissolution of the corporation council, the confusion over the body's restructuring process and the frequent reprimands by the courts to the government for delaying polls.

“This time, people have lost faith and trust,“ said PG Bhat, foundermember of SmartVote, a group that keeps track of election trends.“People have lost interest amidst the restructuring histrionics. Political parties, too, have failed to reinstate the lost trust," Bhat said.