The electoral landscape of Bengaluru is undergoing a notable transformation, with a remarkable surge in the number of registered voters in just one year. The recently released draft electoral roll by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reveals an astonishing rise in the voter count, from 92.09 lakh in January 2023 to 97.90 lakh in the latest draft. These five lakhs increase in voters reflects the evolving political dynamics in the city.
Source: DH
The Data Breakdown:
The BBMP’s data breakdown shows that out of the 97.90 lakh voters, 50.61 lakh are male, 47.26 lakh are female, and 1,760 are categorized as “others.” This data underscores the diverse and inclusive nature of the voter demographics in the city. According to R Ramachandran, BBMP Special Commissioner (Elections), this increase is the result of a diligent effort by Booth Level Officers (BLO), who conducted surveys and prepared the draft electoral roll. The applications received thus far have led to this substantial net addition of close to five lakh voters.
Source: Money Control
Constituencies with the Highest and Lowest Voter Numbers:
Among the various constituencies in Bengaluru, the Bangalore South assembly constituency leads the pack with a whopping 7.06 lakh voters. It is closely followed by Mahadevapura, which boasts 6.18 lakh voters, and Yeshwantpura with 5.72 lakh voters. In contrast, Shivajinagar finds itself at the other end of the spectrum, having the least number of voters at 1.96 lakh. These figures highlight the varying levels of political engagement in different parts of the city.
Voter Registration Opportunities:
To ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, the BBMP has scheduled a booth-level special registration drive. This drive is set to take place on November 18 and 19, as well as on December 2 and 3. During these dates, citizens can register themselves as voters or submit any necessary changes to their existing registration. It is a vital initiative to empower more individuals to have their say in the future of Bengaluru.
Source: Money Control
Verification and Objection Process:
For those who wish to verify their voter registration details or raise objections, the BBMP has provided online tools for easy access. The web portal ‘voters.eci.gov.in’ and the ‘voter helpline’ mobile application are available for citizens to cross-check their information. The objection window will be open until December 9, providing ample time for corrections and clarifications. The final electoral roll, including any updates, will be published on January 5, 2024, ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
Focus on Graduates and Teachers:
In a bid to promote representation and encourage participation from the academic and teaching community, the BBMP has also initiated preparations for the electoral roll of graduates and teachers’ constituencies. Eligible teachers and graduates can register by submitting Forms 18 and 19 before November 11. A draft electoral roll specific to this group will be made available on November 23. Just like the general electoral roll, objections can be filed until December 9, with the final electoral roll set for release on December 30.
