Candidates’ Anxiety Grows As They Fear Shivaratri May Hit Voter Turnout

Karimnagar: The auspicious Shivaratri festival this year may queer the pitch for the candidates of the graduate and teacher MLC elections who fear keeping vigil through the previous night may lead to poor voter turnout on the poll day on February 27. Significance of Shivaratri lies in fasting, prayers and devotion to Lord Shiva.

Millions of devotees spend the night in prayer and remembrance of Lord Shiva in temples. The saying goes, "Without Lord Shiva's command, even an ant cannot bite."

The timing this time around has led to uncertainty and concerns among candidates who worry over the impact of the religious day on the campaigning and voter turnout. For candidates, securing votes has become equally important as seeking Lord Shiva’s grace.

For many devotees, fasting and keeping vigil in the temples is a tradition. However, with the MLC elections scheduled for the very next day, candidates fear that voters may not turn up at the polling stations the following day, creating a sense of anxiety among candidates.

In a recent meeting at Husnabad town, backward-class minister Ponnam Prabhakar emphasised this issue, urging voters to vote despite religious observances.

The minister wondered if keeping vigil through the night on the Shivaratri may lead to voter fatigue on the following day which may impact voter turnout on the polling day.

He also reminded voters that they can take a small rest and come out and vote as the polling process would continue until 3 pm.