Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 11: Karnataka will have Lok Sabha elections in two phases on April 18 and 23. However, with the poll schedule clashing with the weekend and government holidays, there is a concern if the voter turnout will be affected.

April 17 is Mahavir Jayanti, April 19 is Good Friday followed by the Easter weekend on April 20 and 21. Also, school exams are likely to be completed by April 18 which could result in many working parents opting for vacations, taking advantage of the continuous holidays.

BJP leader S Suresh Kumar raised concern that the holidays will affect voter turn-out. “Bengaluru has been facing low voter turnout and the holiday situation may not help in bettering it,” he says.

Kumar said that as Karnataka is notorious for low voter turn-out, the party has requested central leadership and Election Commission to consider rescheduling the elections in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, different party workers are instructing voters to not go for vacations and do their duty towards the country first.

In Tamil Nadu election will be held in a single phase on April 18. DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan believes that this may not affect the voter turnout as people are aware of their civic duty. Also, with summer vacations beginning at the end of April, people may not go for vacations prior that.

Kerala political parties are taking the long holiday in a positive light and are confident it will improve the voter turnout.

The polling will be held in Kerala in single phase on April 23. CPI(M) leader M B Rajesh feels the long holidays before the polling day, will help people residing outside Kerala return to their hometown to vote.