Challenges in Polling: Axis My India Chief Discusses West Bengal's Unique Electoral Climate
Met With "Fear, Silence": Axis My India Chief To NDTV On Exit Polls In Bengal
Ndtv
Image: Ndtv
Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Axis My India, highlights the unique challenges faced in polling in West Bengal, where over 60% of voters are reluctant to disclose their preferences due to fear of electoral repercussions. This situation contrasts sharply with the national average of around 10% and reflects deeper issues in the state's political environment.
- 01Over 60% of voters in West Bengal are unwilling to reveal their polling preferences.
- 02This figure is significantly higher than the national average of about 10%.
- 03Fear of repercussions from electoral roll deletions is a major factor in voter silence.
- 04Gupta's team faced police action for surveying voter preferences.
- 05The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has heightened voter anxiety.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of Axis My India, expressed concerns about the polling dynamics in West Bengal during an interview with NDTV. He noted that over 60% of voters are hesitant to disclose their voting preferences, a stark contrast to the national average of about 10%. Gupta attributed this silence to a combination of historical fear in Bengal's political culture and anxiety stemming from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has led to significant deletions of voter names. This fear has been exacerbated by the belief that revealing their voting choice could result in their names being struck off the electoral rolls. Gupta's surveyors faced legal challenges for attempting to gauge voter preferences, highlighting the unique and difficult polling environment in West Bengal. Despite a reported 93% turnout in the first phase of elections, Gupta explained that the reduced base of registered voters due to deletions could skew turnout percentages, making it appear higher than it actually is.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The reluctance of voters to disclose their preferences could lead to skewed election results and hinder the democratic process in West Bengal.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the main reason for voter reluctance in West Bengal?
Connecting to poll...
More about Axis My India
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




