Bengaluru: The Rashtriya Swayam sevak Sangh (RSS) – the parent organization of the BJP, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure 100 per cent voting in the forthcoming Parlia ment elections starting on Thursday.
The last day of polling is on May 19 and the results will be declared on May 23. Karnataka will vote in two phases; on April 18 and 23.
In their door to door campaign, which gained momentum a month ago the swayamsevaks (volunteers/ cadres) in large numbers have been conducting door to door campaign in the villages, hallis, talukas and districts in the State to motivate voters to come out in large numbers and vote for “dignity, development and security” of the country, said sources in the RSS.
“For the Sangh the Parliament election is the biggest festival of democracy. It is an opportunity for all Indians to uphold the democratic values through voting and vote for the right party and candidate. The response from the voters is very encouraging. We are confident of a record voter turnout in these elections,” he said.
Though the RSS has distanced itself away from electoral politics and does not canvass for the BJP, sources told DC that the door to door campaign by the Sangh volunteers and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his development schemes may increase the voter turnout in these elections.
“The enthusiasm and resolution to cast the vote without fail is palpable across Karnataka. The youth, especially first time voters (FTWs) and women in particular may turn out in record numbers on polling day. People, who are residing in Bengaluru but have their vote in their native places are also determined to cast their vote,” said the source.
When asked how the RSS would ensure 100 per cent or maximum voting, the member said that the volunteers will remind people on the day of the polling to come out and exercise their right to franchise.
In 2014 the BJP had won 282 seats out of the total 543 seats but its vote share was only 31 per cent. The party leaders knew that in 2019 they will have to confront a bigger and combined Opposition and for that it was pertinent to increase its vote share to at least 50 percent.
