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Warangal: Dismal voter turnout in Warangal urban area is a staple of every election compared to rural parts of the erstwhile Warangal district, which has 12 Assembly constituencies.
Warangal West Assembly is one among those constituencies in Telangana where citizens’ response to polling is far from convincing. Even though the constituency is known as educational hub, more urbanised compared to others barring segments in Hyderabad, the voter turnout presents a pathetic picture reflecting the blithe concern of the denizens.
In the last five elections, the voter turnout in Warangal West constituency (earlier known as Hanamkonda) had never touched 60 per cent. It may be recalled that poll percentage in 1989 election was 61.32. Since then the electoral participation is hovering below 59 per cent, this despite the constituency is being the most sought-after place to reside for the educated and job holders.
A look at the voter turnout in the last five Assembly elections reveals that Hanamkonda constituency recorded 59.01% in 1994; 59% in 1999; 59.29% in 2004. After the effect of delimitation of constituencies in 2009, the constituency is known as Warangal West. The voter turnout in 2009 was 53.53% and 57.56% in 2014.
Speaking to The Hans India, Forum for Better Warangal (FBW), a citizens forum, President Pulluru Sudhakar said: “The voter turnout in West constituency is a cause of concern. The constituency has maximum number of population, who migrated from neighbouring towns and villages.
With a good chunk of employees deputed to election duty during the polls, understandably the voting percentage is low. The number of employees availing postal ballot is also low.”
Low turnout is also tied to demographics, he said, referring to the absence of senior citizens for voting. The FBW is trying to motivate the senior citizens to participate in the electoral process, he said.
There is despair among a section of people as they believe that nothing is going to happen whoever is elected, he added. A youth organisation - Youth for Swachh Warangal – led by Pavan Thota is also trying its best to create awareness among the denizens.
Pavan said: “People, who wake up in the early hours for workout to keep themselves fit, also need to utilise their voting right to choose an able leader so that their and their wards’ future would be in better hands.”