Hubballi-Dharwad: Low voter turnout worries Jagadish Shettar

Hubballi: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar is quite worried over the low voter turnout in Hubballi-Dharwad Assembly constituency represented by him.

Criticising officials of the Election Commission, he alleged that they have failed to curb several malpractices during the polling. Stating that his constituency has recorded only 60 percent voting which is less than that in the previous elections, he said thousands of names were deleted from the voters’ list.

Charging that the constituencies of voters has been changed deliberately to help rival candidates, he said that several citizens were also deprived of voting.  He also said that Congress leaders have hatched a conspiracy to defeat him through unlawful means. Expressing confidence about his victory, he said that heavy rains in the city had reduced the voting percentage to some extent.

“There is low voting percentage in my constituency as some people have conspired to defeat me. Many families were left disappointed when they approached polling booths, coming from far-off places as their names had disappeared from the voters’ list. It was the duty of the Election Commission to prepare an error-free voters’ list. I have lodged a complaint on many such discrepancies in my constituency”, Shettar said.

He said that first-time voters and the younger generation have supported the BJP after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches at several rallies in the region. Stating that the BJP will form the government on its own by obtaining a majority, he claimed that B.S. Yeddyurappa will become Chief Minister.

Responding to a query, he said that he has not sought any position in the party and will accept any responsibility given by the BJP. Raising objection against leaking roofs and the failure to make alternative lighting arrangements at polling booths, Shettar alleged that people had to face a tough time in pressing the button on the EVMs because of the darkness during the heavy rains.

Lashing out at Congress leaders, he claimed that he will win a sixth term despite false reports being spread by the Opposition to tarnish his image.