Voters, Significant Issues and Political party: A Case Study ofNadia District of West Bengal
1Doctoral Fellow, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: The elections of a democratic country at national and regional levels are the landmarks for distribution of power within the boundary of the state. Without an election, without open competition between social forces and political groups for political power, there is no democracy. The election is the pillar of all democratic countries. Objectives: To study the Socio-economic and demographic profile of voters of Nadia district, West Bengal, to explore what are the significant issue in coming election and to know the perception of voters about best suited political party to solve the significant problems with background characteristics in Nadia district, West Bengal. Data and Methodology: The present study based on both the arm of research primary and secondary source of data. A community based cross-sectional design adopted for the study at Tehatta2 block of Nadia district in West Bengal state. The analysis was completed with the help of SPSS, STATA as well as Excel to get accurate and correct analysis. Findings: The study concluded that among the respondent, male representation (74.5%) is higher than female and the majority of the age group of the respondents are young. TMC party is very popular among the younger voters. Religion is considered one of the most significant aspects of voting behaviour. Major problems that the people are facing Unemployment, communal violence, hike petrol prices. It had found that most of the respondents opined that TMC, CONGRESS party is the best to solve all the major problems.
KEYWORDS: Election, Democracy, Voting behavior, Nadia.
INTRODUCTION:
Electoral geography is relatively a new branch of political geography which is emerging in developed and developing society of the world. Electoral geography has been a backbone of political geography (Johnston, 1977). All the development like social, economic, political cultural, regional, religious influences depends upon policy and decision makers of the government, so the study of the electoral behaviour of the people becomes utmost important.
The Electoral geography critically examined the role of elections in farming debates and in constituting power relationship (Taylor, 1993) Democratic country elections on National and Regional Levels are the landmark for distribution of power within the boundary of state in term of political, Social, Economic Development of its population over space and time. The Electoral geography emphasis on the spatial location, distribution, and interrelationships, of economic groups, living in physical settings within its limited resources base (Seema, 2014). Voting is the best form of political participation in liberal democratic societies, and the study of voting behaviour is highly socialized in political Geography and subfield in electoral geography. Civic engagement of people also depends upon voting high political participation of people is a good symbol of Democracy. Voting is also the key mechanism of consensus building in a democratic society. (Lipset: 1960).The election is a barometer to check the political temperature of a country. Election plays crucial roles in forming the debates about various cultural, Social, Economic issues like Gay right, Mob lynching, the price of petrol, Gomata, Sexual harassment, Adultery, Crime, etc. Ethnic, regional and identity-based issues have been sidelined, and religion played a more critical role in mobilising voters (Mahanta,2014). Vote decision is a composite of many factors which explain how and why the person votes. Voting behaviour is a dynamic concept it changes with time and place and the factors that influence the voting behaviour of the people that are political, Social, Economic, Geographical, Historical. Voting behaviour has many determinants such as Demographic factors like age, education, gender, occupation, etc., and socio and politico-economic factors such as Political ideology, Party affiliation, Candidate popularity, Muscle power. Leadership is playing a key role in influencing electoral outcomes (Chhibber, 2014). The lifestyle of the people is the same but demand and expectations are not equal. It also affects the voting behaviour of the people. The State of West Bengal is diversified in nature regarding physical and cultural, so the voting behaviour is very complicated. Usually, Election result indicates the way in which the different sections of the society look at their problems, and the changes which take place from one election to the other are often the expression of the working of the popular mind. (Amani, 1972) In India the electoral participation is quite high as compared to others democratic country but when there is no law stating compulsory voting. In the recent trend, the electoral participation is increasing day by day especially among the Dalits and Marginalized sections of the society. The integrated ideology that could unite the different Dalit castes in the state under one umbrella (Chandra,2000) This image indicates that higher possibility of the economically weaker section of society will come out to vote rather than the privileged class. This pattern is changed due to the dynamics of party politics and the intensification of competition. “The coming decade will be the decade of the marginalized sections of society” (George, 2014) Narendra Modi emphasised his lower-caste origins, and said, “The coming decade will be the decade of the marginalized sections of society” (Suri, 2014). Indira Gandhi tried to give a specific character to the party by emphasising the support of the poor and backward classes along with minorities (Suhas, 2014; Suri, 2014). Voting behaviour is also known as electoral behaviour. It is a form of political behaviour. Psephology is a branch of political science, deals with the scientific study of voting behaviour. This is a new term popularized by the American political scientists and political sociologist. By the words of Plano and Riggs "Voting behaviour is a field of study concerned with how people tend to vote in the public election and the reasons why they vote as they do."
PROBLEMS AND SIGNIFICANCE:
The electoral behavior represents the standard of living of the people. There are so many factors which are strongly influential to the electorate in the decision making vote cast are measured of attitudes perceptions and behavior of the people. Thus when vote returns are mapped the resulting distribution give indications of place to place differences in behavior. It is challenging to read the mind of voters and mind of voters changed through time and place. The poor in India vote more than the rich, so there is an inverse relationship between political participation and economic and social wellbeing. Therefore, it has become very crucial in the light of development carrying out research election-related issues.
Voting behavior is not uniform throughout the country it differs from place to place, culture to culture, and from time to time, people to people. Therefore, it is challenging to make generalizations about the path in which people vote in the next election. The study is useful for understanding voters' perceptions on different issues and support, based on the various political party.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To study the Socio-economic and demographic profile of voters of Nadia district, West Bengal
2. To explore what are the significant issue in coming election
3. To know the perception of voters about best suited political party to solve the significant issues with background characteristics in Nadia district, West Bengal.
HYPOTHESES:
1. Voters are not politically aware of the significant issues of the state
2. Caste, religion, gender (economic, social,) play a crucial role in the decision making the process of the electorate.
STUDY AREA:
Nadia District is in the heart of Bengal delta. The district has an area of 3927 sq km having a population of 46, 04,827 as per census 2011. Out of that SC and ST population are 13, 65,985 and 1, 13891 respectively. The density of people of this district is 1173 persons per sq km. The sex ratio of Nadia district has 950 females as against 1000 males. The majority of the people of the community speak Bengali followed by Hindi, Santali and other languages. The climate of Nadia district is characterized by hot summer and high humidity in the summer season and dry condition in a winter season. Majority of the population engaged in Agricultural sectors.
Database and Methodology:
The present study based on both the arm of research primary and secondary source of data. A community based cross-sectional design adopted for the study at Tehatta2 block of Nadia district in West Bengal state. For getting a better response, questions were asked in Bengali language only. The primary source of data collected from the randomly selected individual, interview of party leaders by using a structured schedule and questionnaire. Secondary data collected from various published reports such as the survey of India, population census of India, Election Report Government of West Bengal, relevant books, and journals. Data entry carried out with the help of SPSS and analysis has been completed with the help of SPSS, STATA as well as Excel to get accurate and correct analysis. Just before asking any question, participants were described consent process and then obtained consent (oral as well as written).
RESULT AND DISCUSSION:
Table -1 shows socio-economic and demographic profile of voters of Nadia district, West Bengal. In the overall sample, the mean age of the respondents was approximately 40 years. So the majority of the voters belongs to young and middle age groups. Gender is another important demographic factor in determining the voting behaviour of the respondents. The table shows that male per cent is 74.5 and female per cent is 25.5. So the percentage indicates that female are far behind regarding voting awareness. It would be logically imagined that in a male-dominated society the electoral behaviour of the female respondents should not generally differ from that of the male respondents.
In India caste is one of the most critical determinants of voting behaviour. In India, vote swing depends upon Dalit voting behaviour. Continuous 34 years Dalit voters support CPIM, but the government does not work in favour of Dalit upliftment but now present time majority of the Dalit voters support TMC government. In recent trend after the analysis of Dalit per cent of the vote, party leaders nominate the Dalit candidate. The table shows that 66.5 per cent of the respondents belonged to Dalits voters and 33.5 per cent respondents belonged to the general category.Religion plays a vital role in changing the voting behaviour of the people. In a country like India diversification of religious faiths among the voters, it influences the decision making of the voters. The table shows that 67.5 of the sample respondents belongs to Hindu and 22.5 per cent of the sample respondents belongs to Muslim, and 10 per cent of the sample respondents belongs to Christian.
Table1. Socio-economic and demographic profile of voters of Nadia district, West Bengal (N=200)
Background characteristics |
N |
% |
Cumulative percent |
Age |
|
|
|
18-25 |
19 |
9.5 |
9.5 |
26-35 |
38 |
19.0 |
28.5 |
36-45 |
87 |
43.5 |
72.0 |
46-55 |
37 |
18.5 |
90.5 |
>56 |
19 |
9.5 |
100.0 |
Sex |
|
|
|
Male |
149 |
74.5 |
74.5 |
Female |
51 |
25.5 |
100 |
Caste |
|
|
|
OBC |
59 |
29.5 |
29.5 |
ST |
25 |
12.5 |
42 |
SC |
49 |
24.5 |
66.5 |
General |
67 |
33.5 |
100 |
Religion |
|
|
|
Hindu |
135 |
67.5 |
67.5 |
Muslim |
45 |
22.5 |
90 |
Christian |
20 |
10 |
100 |
Marital status |
|
|
|
Married |
161 |
80.5 |
80.5 |
Unmarried |
39 |
19.5 |
100 |
Years of schooling |
|
|
|
Illiterate |
23 |
11.5 |
11.5 |
Primary |
48 |
24.0 |
35.5 |
Secondary education |
77 |
38.5 |
74 |
Intermediate |
22 |
11.0 |
85 |
U.G |
18 |
9.0 |
94 |
P.G |
12 |
6.0 |
100 |
Occupational status |
|
|
|
agriculture |
97 |
48.5 |
48.5 |
business |
52 |
26 |
74.5 |
govt. |
8 |
4 |
78.5 |
housewife |
43 |
21.5 |
100 |
Economic condition |
|
|
|
<30000 |
48 |
24 |
24 |
30000-50000 |
80 |
40 |
64 |
50000-80000 |
36 |
18 |
82 |
80000-100000 |
22 |
11 |
93 |
>100000 |
14 |
7 |
100 |
Total |
200 |
100.0 |
|
Education is the indicator of Development. Education changed the overall personality of the candidates. Educated people think rationally and its further impact on changing the voting behaviour of the people. The table shows that 38.5 per cent of the sample respondents belong to secondary education. 24 per cent of the sample respondents belong to the primary school, and 11.5 per cent of the sample respondents belongs to illiterate, and 11 per cent of the respondents belongs to intermediate, and 9 per cent of the sample respondents belongs to U.G, and 6 per cent of the sample respondents belongs to P.G level. So the majority of the sample respondents belongs to the literate group.Occupation and income are one of the essential socio-economic variables which determine the social and economic status of persons in society. The table shows that highest per cent of the sample respondents belongs to agriculture sectors and yearly income is (30000-50000) thousand rupee.
Table 2. Best suited party to solve the significant issues in Nadia district, West Bengal
Significant Issues |
Political Party N (%) |
|||
AITMC |
BJP |
CONGRESS |
CPIM |
|
Unemployment |
62 (31.0) |
28 (14.0) |
80 (40.0) |
30 (15.0) |
price of petrol |
60 (30.0) |
21 (10.5) |
92 (46.0) |
27 (13.5) |
crime and sexual harrasment |
93 (46.5) |
19 (9.5) |
56 (28.0) |
32 (16.0) |
communual violance |
51 (25.5) |
11 (5.5) |
36 (18.0) |
102 (51.0) |
farmer suicide |
66 (33.0) |
45 (22.5) |
48 (24.0) |
41 (20.5) |
health and social problem |
102 (51.0) |
60 (30.0) |
18 (9.0) |
20 (10.0) |
Best suited party to solve the significant issues in Nadia District
Table 2 shows Best suited party to solve the significant issues in Nadia district, West Bengal. In present time unemployment is a big challenge for the government. Present time India's one-third population are young. So concerning human resource, India is a leading country in the world. But according to a statistical report published by the government of India, the unemployment rate is high in the world. Unemployment leads to lots of social problems in the society and disturbs the harmonious balance of the society. About 40 per cent of the respondents out of total samples share their view that Congress is the best party to solve the unemployment problems. Around 31 per cent respondents share their opinion that TMC is the best party to solve the problems better way. Approximately 15 per cent of the respondent shares their view that CPIM is the best party to solve the problem systematically. Price of petrol rates is highest in India amongst of all developing country. By and large 46 per cent of the respondents share their opinion that Congress is the best party to solve the problems related to Price of petrol. When Indian people open their eyes, they observe one issue of crime and sexual harassment in every sector of the society. So it is a prime problem of Indian people. Around half of the respondent share their opinion that TMC is the best party to solve the problem better way. When there is no decent in opinion democracy is under threat. The communal violence is a significant problem for all the sections of the society. Around 51 per cent of the respondent shares their opinion that CPIM is the best party to solve the communal violence problem systematically. Without luxury life people has ability to sustain their life but without food people has no ability to sustain their life. But now a day farmer has no value in the society. Farmers suicide rates are increasing day by day, but government do not think over it. About 33 per cent respondents share their viewed that TMC is the best party to solve the farmer's suicide problem. India is a diversified country regarding physical and social features. So the health and social problems are not the same everywhere. Around 51 per cent of the respondent's belief that TMC is the best party to solve
Figure.1. Significant issue in the coming election
In figure 1, it was found that 55 percent of the respondents highlight the issues of unemployment as major problem in the coming election. 18 percent of the respondents highlight the issues of the price of petrol. 12 percent highlight the issues of crime and sexual harassment. 7 percent raise the issues of communal violence and 5 percent highlight the issues of health and social problems and 4 percent raised all issues.
Figure 2. Best suited party to solve the overall problems in Nadia district, West BengAl
In the democracy, people’s problems and policies are fulfilled and implemented by the rolling party Government system. But when the political party failed to full fill need and demands of the voters than through election system voters changed the government system. In Figure 2, 42 per cent of the respondent shares a view that TMC party is the best party to solve the significant problems of the people. About 27.5 per cent of the respondent shares their opinion that BJP is the best party to solve the people problems. Around 24.5 per cent of the respondent shares their personal view that Congress is the best party to address the general people problems. Around 6 per cent of the respondent share the opinion that the Communist Party is the best to solve all the issues very well mannered.
In India, literate people is increasing day by day, and it will promote and strengthen the democratic government system. In figure 3, about 74.5 per cent of the respondent shares their view that a minimum level of education should be required for getting right to vote, whereas around 24.5 per cent of the respondents viewed that there is no necessity for the minimum level of education for getting right to vote.
Figure 3. People's view on educational qualification to be a voter
Table 3 shows the perception of voters about best suited political party to solve the significant issues with background characteristics in Nadia district, West Bengal.
Unemployment:
India is a developing country, and it has more than 60 per cent working age (15-59) population. So it is a prime duty of each government to create a new job opportunity for young generations. Majority of the respondents highlighted the issues of unemployment. Young (62.2 %) and old age (47.4%) groups voters opined that Congress party to solve the unemployment problems, and middle age (40.5%) groups support TMC party is the best to address the unemployment problems. Male (42.3 %), female (33.3%) support Congress is the best party to solve the unemployment problems. Minimum Male (11.4 %) per cent support BJP to solve the unemployment problem.
Table 3. Best suited party to solve the significant issues with background characteristics in Nadia district, West Bengal
Background characteristics |
Unemployment |
Price of petrol |
Crime & Sexual harassment |
|||||||||||
Age |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONG-RESS |
CPIM |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONGRESS |
CPIM |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONGRESS |
CPIM |
||
18-25 |
10.5 |
26.3 |
63.2 |
0 |
15.8 |
10.5 |
73.7 |
0 |
63.2 |
21.1 |
5.3 |
10.5 |
||
26-35 |
36.8 |
0 |
39.5 |
23.7 |
31.6 |
13.2 |
39.5 |
15.8 |
39.5 |
2.6 |
28.9 |
28.9 |
||
36-45 |
28.7 |
13.8 |
36.8 |
20.7 |
32.2 |
11.5 |
37.9 |
18.4 |
40.2 |
8 |
33.3 |
18.4 |
||
46-55 |
40.5 |
18.9 |
32.4 |
8.1 |
29.7 |
5.4 |
56.8 |
8.1 |
54.1 |
18.9 |
21.6 |
5.4 |
||
>56 |
31.6 |
21.1 |
47.4 |
0 |
31.6 |
10.5 |
47.4 |
10.5 |
57.9 |
0 |
36.8 |
5.3 |
||
Sex |
||||||||||||||
Male |
30.9 |
11.4 |
42.3 |
15.4 |
28.9 |
14.1 |
51 |
6 |
54.4 |
8.7 |
24.2 |
12.8 |
||
Female |
31.4 |
21.6 |
33.3 |
13.7 |
33.3 |
0 |
31.4 |
35.3 |
23.5 |
11.8 |
39.2 |
25.5 |
||
Caste |
||||||||||||||
OBC |
39 |
8.5 |
42.4 |
10.2 |
32.2 |
10.2 |
37.3 |
20.3 |
49.2 |
3.4 |
28.8 |
18.6 |
||
ST |
20 |
16 |
48 |
16 |
28 |
16 |
52 |
4 |
44 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
||
SC |
30.6 |
16.3 |
34.7 |
18.4 |
32.7 |
10.2 |
49 |
8.2 |
49 |
8.2 |
24.5 |
18.4 |
||
General |
28.4 |
16.4 |
38.8 |
16.4 |
26.9 |
9 |
49.3 |
14.9 |
43.3 |
13.4 |
32.8 |
10.4 |
||
Religion |
||||||||||||||
Hindu |
28.9 |
12.6 |
42.2 |
16.3 |
31.1 |
11.9 |
48.1 |
8.9 |
46.7 |
11.1 |
24.4 |
17.8 |
||
Muslim |
28.9 |
17.8 |
40 |
13.3 |
20 |
8.9 |
53.3 |
17.8 |
37.8 |
4.4 |
42.2 |
15.6 |
||
Christian |
50 |
15 |
25 |
10 |
45 |
5 |
15 |
35 |
65 |
10 |
20 |
5 |
||
Marital status |
||||||||||||||
Married |
34.8 |
14.3 |
34.2 |
16.8 |
29.8 |
12.4 |
41.6 |
16.1 |
45.3 |
9.3 |
31.1 |
14.3 |
||
Unmarried |
15.4 |
12.8 |
64.1 |
7.7 |
30.8 |
2.6 |
64.1 |
2.6 |
51.3 |
10.3 |
15.4 |
23.1 |
||
Years of schooling |
||||||||||||||
Illiterate |
43.5 |
13 |
39.1 |
4.3 |
17.4 |
34.8 |
47.8 |
0 |
87 |
8.7 |
4.3 |
0 |
||
Primary |
27.1 |
16.7 |
39.6 |
16.7 |
25 |
6.3 |
47.9 |
20.8 |
39.6 |
16.7 |
22.9 |
20.8 |
||
Secondary education |
39 |
10.4 |
35.1 |
15.6 |
36.4 |
3.9 |
39 |
20.8 |
29.9 |
5.2 |
42.9 |
22.1 |
||
Intermediate |
22.7 |
4.5 |
50 |
22.7 |
22.7 |
18.2 |
59.1 |
0 |
54.5 |
13.6 |
18.2 |
13.6 |
||
U.G |
11.1 |
22.2 |
44.4 |
22.2 |
38.9 |
11.1 |
44.4 |
5.6 |
55.6 |
11.1 |
22.2 |
11.1 |
||
P.G |
16.7 |
33.3 |
50 |
0 |
33.3 |
8.3 |
58.3 |
0 |
75 |
0 |
25 |
0 |
||
Occupational status |
||||||||||||||
agriculture |
35.1 |
9.3 |
43.3 |
12.4 |
24.7 |
20.6 |
51.5 |
3.1 |
55.7 |
10.3 |
17.5 |
16.5 |
||
business |
26.9 |
17.3 |
36.5 |
19.2 |
40.4 |
1.9 |
46.2 |
11.5 |
57.7 |
3.8 |
30.8 |
7.7 |
||
govt. |
37.5 |
0 |
50 |
12.5 |
0 |
0 |
87.5 |
12.2 |
12.5 |
37.5 |
37.5 |
12.5 |
||
housewife |
25.6 |
23.3 |
34.9 |
16.3 |
34.9 |
0 |
25.6 |
39.5 |
18.6 |
9.3 |
46.5 |
25.6 |
||
Economic condition |
||||||||||||||
<30000 |
27.1 |
25 |
33.3 |
14.6 |
29.2 |
2.1 |
31.3 |
37.5 |
22.9 |
14.6 |
39.6 |
22.9 |
||
30000-50000 |
31.3 |
6.3 |
46.3 |
16.3 |
33.8 |
13.8 |
42.5 |
10 |
37.5 |
8.8 |
35 |
18.8 |
||
50000-80000 |
30.6 |
11.1 |
44.4 |
13.9 |
8.3 |
11.1 |
77.8 |
2.8 |
63.9 |
8.3 |
11.1 |
16.7 |
||
80000-100000 |
50 |
13.6 |
22.7 |
13.6 |
36.4 |
18.2 |
45.5 |
0 |
86.4 |
9.1 |
4.5 |
0 |
||
>100000 |
14.3 |
28.6 |
42.9 |
14.3 |
57.1 |
7.1 |
35.7 |
0 |
71.4 |
0 |
28.6 |
0 |
Around 13.7 per cent female support Communist Party to solve the unemployment problem. All sections of caste majority of the respondents support Congress party to solve the unemployment problem. Both Muslim (40 %) and Hindu (42 %) respondents support Congress is the best party to solve the unemployment problem, but half of the Christian support TMC is the best party to solve the unemployment problem. Around 34.8 per cent of the married people supports TMC is the best party to solve the unemployment problem. Around 64.1 per cent of the unmarried respondent viewed that Congress is the best party to address the unemployment problem. About 43 per cent of the illiterate people support TMC party to solve the unemployment problem, but all the section of the literate respondents support Congress is the best party to solve the unemployment problem. All categories of income groups of people support Congress party is the best to address the unemployment problem.
Price of Petrol:
All the sectors of the economy directly and indirectly influenced by the price of petrol. During the election campaign, all political party leaders highlight the issues of petrol price. Young (73.7 %), old age (47.4 %) and middle age (56.8 %) voters support congress party is the best to solve the rate price of petrol. All the age groups viewed that BJP is the worse party to address the rate of the price of petrol. Male (51.3 %) voters support Congress is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem. Female (33.3 %) opined that TMC is the best party to address the price of petrol problem. All sections of caste (average 44 %) pointed Congress party to solve the price of petrol problem and lowest (average 11 %) support to BJP to solve the price of petrol problem.
Table 3.1. Best suited party to solve the significant issues with background characteristics in Nadia district, West Bengal
Background characteristics |
Communual Violence |
|
Farmers Suicide |
|
Health and Social Problems |
|||||||||
Age |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONG RESS |
CPIM |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONG RESS |
CPIM |
AITMC |
BJP |
CONG RESS |
CPIM |
||
18-25 |
31.6 |
0 |
47.4 |
21.1 |
31.6 |
15.8 |
21.1 |
31.6 |
84.2 |
10.5 |
0 |
5.3 |
||
26-35 |
28.9 |
5.3 |
7.9 |
57.9 |
31.6 |
31.6 |
31.6 |
5.3 |
55.3 |
28.9 |
10.5 |
5.3 |
||
36-45 |
18.4 |
6.9 |
16.1 |
58.6 |
35.6 |
19.5 |
19.5 |
25.3 |
46 |
37.9 |
4.6 |
11.5 |
||
46-55 |
35.1 |
8.1 |
16.2 |
40.5 |
29.7 |
27 |
27 |
16.2 |
56.8 |
18.9 |
18.9 |
5.4 |
||
>56 |
26.3 |
0 |
21.1 |
52.6 |
31.6 |
15.8 |
26.3 |
26.3 |
21.1 |
36.8 |
15.8 |
26.3 |
||
Sex |
||||||||||||||
Male |
30.2 |
4 |
9.4 |
56.4 |
42.3 |
16.1 |
25.5 |
16.1 |
57 |
23.5 |
9.4 |
10.1 |
||
Female |
11.8 |
9.8 |
43.1 |
35.3 |
5.9 |
41.2 |
19.6 |
33.3 |
33.3 |
49 |
7.8 |
9.8 |
||
Caste |
||||||||||||||
OBC |
27.1 |
8.5 |
22 |
42.4 |
32.2 |
27.1 |
13.6 |
27.1 |
50.8 |
28.8 |
16.9 |
3.4 |
||
ST |
20 |
4 |
24 |
52 |
36 |
16 |
16 |
32 |
60 |
24 |
0 |
16 |
||
SC |
24.5 |
2 |
12.2 |
61.2 |
36.7 |
10.2 |
36.7 |
16.3 |
53.1 |
28.6 |
10.2 |
8.2 |
||
General |
26.9 |
6 |
16.4 |
50.7 |
29.9 |
29.9 |
26.9 |
13.4 |
46.3 |
34.3 |
4.5 |
14.9 |
||
Religion |
||||||||||||||
Hindu |
23.7 |
6.7 |
14.1 |
55.6 |
34.8 |
17.8 |
29.6 |
17.8 |
53.3 |
28.9 |
6.7 |
11.1 |
||
Muslim |
31.1 |
4.4 |
33.3 |
31.1 |
22.2 |
28.9 |
15.6 |
33.3 |
53.3 |
35.6 |
2.2 |
8.9 |
||
Christian |
25 |
0 |
10 |
65 |
45 |
40 |
5 |
10 |
30 |
25 |
40 |
5 |
||
Marital status |
||||||||||||||
Married |
21.1 |
5.6 |
16.8 |
56.5 |
34.2 |
23 |
21.7 |
21.1 |
44.7 |
34.2 |
9.9 |
11.2 |
||
Unmarried |
43.6 |
5.1 |
23.1 |
28.2 |
28.2 |
20.5 |
33.3 |
17.9 |
76.9 |
12.8 |
5.1 |
5.1 |
||
Years of schooling |
||||||||||||||
Illiterate |
13 |
21.7 |
13 |
52.2 |
60.9 |
4.3 |
21.7 |
13 |
56.5 |
8.7 |
13 |
21.7 |
||
Primary |
37.5 |
6.3 |
10.4 |
45.8 |
27.1 |
31.3 |
22.9 |
18.8 |
62.5 |
25 |
6.3 |
6.3 |
||
Secondary education |
19.5 |
3.9 |
24.7 |
51.9 |
23.4 |
24.7 |
23.4 |
28.6 |
42.9 |
37.7 |
11.7 |
7.8 |
||
Intermediate |
27.3 |
0 |
4.5 |
68.2 |
31.8 |
22.7 |
40.9 |
4.5 |
59.1 |
18.2 |
0 |
22.7 |
||
U.G |
33.3 |
0 |
22.2 |
44.4 |
50 |
11.1 |
16.7 |
22.2 |
44.4 |
44.4 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
||
P.G |
25 |
0 |
33.3 |
41.7 |
41.7 |
25 |
16.7 |
16.7 |
41.7 |
41.7 |
16.7 |
0 |
||
Occupational status |
||||||||||||||
agriculture |
25.8 |
4.1 |
13.4 |
56.7 |
48.5 |
16.5 |
16.5 |
18.6 |
57.7 |
17.5 |
10.3 |
14.4 |
||
business |
28.8 |
3.8 |
5.8 |
61.5 |
28.8 |
21.2 |
36.5 |
13.5 |
53.8 |
40.4 |
3.8 |
1.9 |
||
govt. |
62.5 |
0 |
25 |
12.5 |
12.5 |
0 |
62.5 |
25 |
62.5 |
0 |
25 |
12.5 |
||
housewife |
14 |
11.6 |
41.9 |
32.6 |
7 |
41.9 |
18.6 |
32.6 |
30.2 |
51.2 |
9.3 |
9.3 |
||
Economic condition |
||||||||||||||
<30000 |
12.5 |
12.5 |
43.8 |
31.3 |
6.3 |
41.7 |
18.8 |
33.3 |
29.2 |
52.1 |
8.3 |
10.4 |
||
30000-50000 |
27.5 |
0 |
7.5 |
65 |
33.8 |
18.8 |
27.5 |
20 |
46.3 |
35 |
7.5 |
11.3 |
||
50000-80000 |
33.3 |
8.3 |
13.9 |
44.4 |
36.1 |
19.4 |
25 |
19.4 |
83.3 |
2.8 |
2.8 |
11.1 |
||
80000-100000 |
27.3 |
9.1 |
4.5 |
59.1 |
63.6 |
9.1 |
18.2 |
9.1 |
77.3 |
0 |
13.6 |
9.1 |
||
>100000 |
35.7 |
0 |
21.4 |
42.9 |
64.3 |
7.1 |
28.6 |
0 |
28.6 |
42.9 |
28.6 |
0 |
Both Muslim (53.3 %) and Hindu (48.1 %) support Congress is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem but Christian (45 %) support TMC is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem. Around 41.6 per cent of the married people supports TMC is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem. About 64 per cent of the unmarried respondent support Congress is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem. Both illiterate 48.7 per cent and literate (average 51 per cent) support Congress party is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem. Minimum and average income groups of respondents support Congress party is the best party to solve the problems of the price of petrol, and higher income group of respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the price of petrol problem.
Crime and Sexual Harassment:
Crime and sexual harassment is a common phenomenon nowadays. But it is not an exact image of sustainable development. Sustainable development and inclusive growth only possible when a peaceful democratic environment is present everywhere. Young age (63.2 %), middle age (54.1 %) and old age (57.9 %) support TMC is the best party to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem. Young people (5.3 %) support Congress party, middle age (5.4 %) support Communist party, old age (0 %) support BJP to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem. About 54.4 per cent of male respondent support TMC is the best party to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem. About 39.2 per cent of the female respondent support Congress is the best party to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem. All section of caste groups (averages 46 per cent) of respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem. Hindu 46.7 per cent, Christian 65 per cent support TMC, and Muslim 42.2 per cent support Congress is the best part to solve the problem. Married (45.3 %) unmarried (51.3 %) support TMC is the best party to solve the crime and sexual challenge. Illiterate (87 %) literate (46 %) support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. Agriculture engaged voters (55.7 %), and business (57.7 %) support TMC is the best, but govt employee (37.5 %) and housewife (46.5 %) support Congress is the best party to solve the problem. All section of economic groups supports TMC is the best party to solve the crime and sexual harassment problem.
Communal Violence:
Communal violence is increasing when brotherhood among the different communities is decreasing. A majority of the respondents highlight the issue of communal violence in the upcoming election. Table 3.1 shows young (31.6 %) respondent support TMC is the best party to solve the communal violence problem. Middle age (58.6 %) old age (52.6 %) respondent support Communist party is best to address the communal violence problem. Male (56.4 %) support Communist female (35.3 %) support Congress is the best party. (Average 42 %) Of all caste groups support the Communist party is the best to solve the communal violence problem. Average 50 per cent of all religion support Communist party is the best to solve the communal violence problem. Married (56.5 %) respondents support Communist party, unmarried (43.6 %) respondents support TMC is the best. All the level of illiterate and literate average 50 per cent of the respondent support Communist party is the best to solve the problem. All section of the economic group’s average (46 %) support communist party is the best to solve the communal violence problem.
Farmers Suicide:
In India civilisation starts with agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy. More than 70 per cent of the Indian people are directly engaged with agriculture, but farmer’s suicide is a common problem nowadays in India. Majority of the respondents highlight the issue of farmer's suicide. Young age (31.6 %), Middle age (35.6 %), Old age (31.6%), respondent support TMC is the best party to solve the farmer's suicide problem. Male (42.3 %) support TMC but Female (33.3 %) respondent support Communist party to solve the problem. All the caste (average 43 %) of the respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. All the religious group average 35 per cent of the respondent support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. Married and Unmarried average 31 per cent of the respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. Illiterate and all the level of literate people support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. People engaged in agriculture (48.5 %) support TMC, Businessman (36.5%), support Congress, government employee (62.5 %) support Congress Party, Housewife (32.6 %) support Communist party is the best to solve the problem. All the economic group of people supports TMC party is the best to solve the farmer’s suicide problem.
Health and Social Problem:
India is suffering from many health and the social problem, through health is one of the most crucial indicators of the Human Development Index. People always highlight the issues of health and social problem in the different corner of India. Young age (82.4 %) Middle age (56.8%) support TMC is the best party is best to address the problem. Old age (36.8%) support BJP is the best party to solve the health and social problem. Male (57%) support TMC and Female (49%) support BJP is the best party to solve the problem. All the caste average (43%) of the respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. Hindu (53.3%) Muslim (53.3%) respondents support TMC party, Christian (40%) support Congress is the best party to solve the problem. Married and Unmarried average (60%) of respondents support TMC is the best party to solve the problem. Literate and Illiterate and all section of economic groups they support TMC party is the best party to address the health and social problem.
CONCLUSION:
India is the largest democracy in the world. Therefore, a study of the Indian political system and people’s political participation has significance. Electoral participation and the voting behaviour of the citizen are the indicators for the peace of parliamentary democracy. The present study provides clear pictures of the voting pattern in the light of various socio-economic characteristics. Major problems that the people are facing Unemployment, communal violence, hike petrol prices. It had found that most of the respondents opined that TMC, CONGRESS party is the best to solve all the major problems.
SUGGESTION:
Without an election, without open competition between social forces and political groups for political power, there is no democracy. The success of democracy depends on open and fair of the election.
1. Increasing the moral value of the voters and politicians through different programmes to improve ethical standard among voters and politician.
2. The local people become fed up for the existing corruption in an election, and people do not believe in the democratic election system. So it is a prime duty for the election commissioner to take immediate action.
3. The political party must transform the structure of the party system and improve the ideology of the party manifesto.
4. Neglect Religious orthodoxy and Election commission must take action who are making vote bank in the name of love jihad, Gomata, Hindutva, Pakistan.
5. To improve participation of all sections of the electorate, awareness levels need to be enhanced, especially amongst the freshly eligible youth, uneducated, residents and remote areas and socially and the economically weaker section of the society.
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Received on 07.10.2018 Modified on 31.10.2018
Accepted on 06.11.2018 ©AandV Publications All right reserved
Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2019; 10(1):15-23.
DOI: 10.5958/2321-5828.2019.00004.4