As Chhattisgarh braces for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with the Congress and BJP locking horns, the stage is set for strategic twists and turns. However, the central plot is unlikely to change.
As per a recent opinion poll conducted by News 18, the NDA is likely to get 10 out of the 11 seats from the state, with a majority vote share of 57%. In contrast, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc may land with a single seat, albeit with a substantial vote share of 37%. Other political entities may collectively account for a modest 6% vote share.
The Chhattisgarh electorate also expressed its opinion regarding the performance of both the central and state governments over the past five years.
Central and state performance: A mixed bag
The News 18 opinion poll revealed that out of 2,480 respondents, 69% of the respondents expressed satisfaction about the central government's performance, while only 19% exhibited dissatisfaction.
Regarding the state government, 74% expressed being satisfied while 16% voiced dissatisfaction.
Sitting MPs
The BJP, in its first list, revealed names of 11 candidates for the state. Among the notable alterations, four new faces emerged in the candidate lineup. However, according to the News 18 poll, a significant proportion of the electorate expressed satisfaction with their MPs' performance. Specifically, 69% of respondents reported being satisfied. Dissatisfaction levels stood at 18%. Additionally, 11% of respondents remained neutral, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
Key factors in voters' minds
The survey highlighted the top factors influencing the respondents' decisions. A significant 69% identified jobs and inflation as their primary concerns, followed by law and order situation at 38%. Corruption, religion and infrastructure and development trailed behind with 37%, 21%, and 13%, respectively.
Local leadership
As the electoral battleground heats up, the survey found public satisfaction with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's performance. Impressively, 80% of respondents expressed satisfaction, while only 7% were dissatisfied.
Previous results
Reflecting on past electoral trends, both parties have reason for optimism. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP clinched nine seats, securing a vote share of nearly 51%.
The upcoming elections are poised to witness a fierce contest. With the Congress releasing its initial candidate list, spotlighting seasoned leaders, and the BJP unveiling its full roster, the stage is set for a high-stakes electoral battle.
The Congress, reeling from its loss to the BJP in the previous year's Assembly polls, is banking on experienced figures to lead its charge. In contrast, the BJP has announced contenders for all 11 Lok Sabha seats in the state, aiming to capitalise on its momentum from previous victories.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Mar 14, 2024 7:10 PM IST
