Bengaluru women out vote men in LS poll turnout

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Women across three constituencies of Beng aluru have polled more than men, data from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka reveals.

Activists feel that the pro-women policies implemented by the state government have encouraged them to participate.

54.17 per cent women voters polled in Bangalore South, higher than their male counterparts (52.24 per cent).

In Bangalore Central, 54.87 per cent women voted, while 53.31 per cent were men.

55.45 per cent of women in Bangalore North had voted, which is highest among the three.

This is excluding the postal ballots. Preeti Sunderrajan, civic activist from Citizens for Sankey, feels that the government has acknowledged the work of women.

“This has given women a sense of autonomy. They know how powerful their vote is,” she said.

Although the increase is marginal, Sundderajan credits the schemes introduced by the state for the turnout.

“It helped them get recognition. This will help them get what’s rightfully tiers, and power to ask for more,” she added.

Her remarks on the lower turnout from men comes from a conversation she had with a couple who had voted.

“The wife considered the candidate and their calibre to represent, while the husband considered voting only on party lines,” she further added.

Aratrika, who is a part of the All India Students Association (AISA) echoed similar reasons for increased women voters.

“One possibility is that women have received some direct benefits from the current state government that has also become a household talking point,” she said.

Known to be vocal on issues faced by the city, Aratrika pointed out the failures of the incumbent government at the centre.

“When it comes to women issues, be it rising atrocities against women, or instances like releasing the convicts in Bilkis Bano rape case, they have fared really badly. Perhaps such incidents contributed to an increase in women's turnout,” she signed off.