Low turnout blamed on summer, fiery speeches

Hyderabad: Besides hot summer, it is said that the reason behind lowest voter turnout in Lok Sabha polls for Hyderabad seat was the way the campaigning was undertaken by different political parties. Considered to be the MIM's bastion, experts have blamed this to the politicians hitting a new low during their polling campaigns and indulging in indecent use of phrases like 'baigan ku bolo' and 'chichora'.

Immediately after polling percentage was announced on Thursday, social media was abuzz with sarcasm, where some of whom indirectly blamed incumbent MP's usage of phrases and words, which he generally avoids. It is said that to counter Narendra Modi's speech in Hyderabad, the MIM leadership hit a new low during their campaigns. While MIM Assembly Floor Leader, Akbaruddin Owaisi continued with his style of rhetoric to counter other political parties, Asaduddin's usage of phrases considered to be indecent. The phrases 'Baigan ku bolo' in Hyderabadi lingo did not augur well with the voters of Hyderabad, who traditionally voted to the party.

The lowest percentage recorded for Hyderabad Parliament seat was 52.47 % during 2009 and the percentage never dropped below 50 % for the past five contests. This time it was recorded below 40 % with just 39.49 %. During his campaigns, Asaduddin Owaisi requested the voters to increase their turnout in this Parliamentary election, as a matter of show of strength. Following the footsteps even Akbaruddin also requested in their last public meeting before the elections in Khilwat. However, on Thursday, during the polling day Asaduddin Owaisi was seen visiting different polling stations to know the percentage and expressed optimism during media interactions, but at the end of the day it turned out to be a lowest voter turnout.

By evening, a message on social media went viral where pun intended netizens felt that the timing of the polling should be between 11 pm and 4 am and felt that it would be appropriate time to get 100 per cent polling. This was a reference to odd practice where a bridegroom particularly in city does not turn out at the scheduled time, but at around 11 pm for marriage. "When the bridegroom does not turn up before 11 pm, how can you expect him to turn up early in the morning for polling?" goes the message.

Meanwhile, the opposition leaders including Congress MLA candidate from Karwan, Osman Al Hajri and MBT spokesperson Amjedullah Khan blamed the low turnout on Asaduddin going overboard during his speeches.

"In a healthy democracy, the leaders who are in poll fray should focus on their work and not dividing the society. There should be assurances regarding development and employment generation, but not indecent word usage," said Osman.