Shiv Sena, NCP worried about increase in voting percentage

Mumbai: After polling, things have become a bit difficult for Shiv Sena in Mumbai and NCP in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. As voting percentage has risen by almost ten per cent in Mumbai and three and 16 per cent in Pune and Pimpri, respectively, leaders from both parties appeared worried as the assumption is that increase in voting favours the opposition.

In BMC elections, voting percentage has risen from 44.75 per cent in 2012 to 55.53 per cent. Voting data shows that north Mumbai has seen a sharp increase and it is generally assumed that non-Marathi voters of this party could have tilted towards BJP. Sena leader Vinayak Raut however denied that his party was under tension and claimed that it would be ahead of BJP in Mumbai. “Every election throws up some challenges. But Sena has overcome all with the support of Mumbaikars. This time also, we will be clearly number one,” said Mr Raut.

In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipalities, NCP leaders are under similar tension. In Pune, there is a 5 per cent increase from 50.92 per cent in 2012 to 55.50 per cent this time. Still, NCP leaders were seen calculating voting percentage ward-wise. An internal party source said, “Leadership is a little tensed over youth turning out more this time. But the party is putting on a brave face. Its spokesperson Ankush Kakade said, “Our campaign and organisational power will prove effective in the city. Voter turnout is not our worry. Rather, it will turn out to be in our favour in the end.”

The state has seen the biggest rise in voting percentage in Pimpri-Chinchwad from 54.85 per cent in 2012 to 65.35 per cent     this time. NCP has been the dominant party here for over 15 years now. However, many bigwigs from the city have ditched NCP to join BJP. The earlier exodus coupled with poor turnout has shaken NCP totally.

Senior journalist Nikhil Wagle said, “In Mumbai western suburbs, it will be advantage BJP but what about central Mumbai where Marathi voters are a sizeable number. But the larger picture is that opposition gets the upper hand when voting turnout is high which will be applicable this time too.And BJP will have the largest of the share.”