Why did Congress lose despite higher vote-share than BJP
Bengaluru: The Congress, which had won 122 seats in 2013's state assembly polls, has gained merely 78 seats this time. If various parties' vote share numbers are seen, Congress has increased number of votes comparing to previous elections.
Congress has steadily improved its vote shares in the last three elections from 34.8 percent in 2008 to 36.6 percent in 2013 to 38 percent in 2018. However, this has not translated to more seats. In 2008, despite a higher vote share, the Congress lost to the BJP. In 2013, its vote share increased by 2.2 percent but its seat share rose dramatically to 54.5 percent. In 2018, despite a higher vote share, the number of seats it won has dropped.
In previous elections, BJP had secured 19.9 percent votes. The party which had obtained 43.3 per cent votes in Lokasabha polls, has gained 36.2 percent votes in this election. JDS had acquired 20.2 per cent votes in 2013. But this time it is reduced to 19.3 percent.
However, in the 2013 election, the total vote share of all parties was 32 percent. This time 4 percent wave swept in favor of BJP due to which the total vote share was 36, and it helped BJP to win more seats. Likewise, the BJP's votes were not scattered like the Congress; instead, they were centralized in some areas and benefitted to the party. These all reasons led BJP to gain more seats.
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
