In a sharp contrast to the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, the upcoming polls in the national capital could prove to be a damp squib because of bad weather and voter disinterest.
There are serious question marks about a repeat performance from the Delhi voters this time around, according to a Hindustan Times survey.
A record was established in 2013 with a 65 percent turnout. Delhi voted in large numbers in the affluent areas of Greater Kailash and Defence Colony not necessarily known for high turnouts.
There is a likelihood that the spark might be missing for the upcoming polls. The voter enthusiasm does not seem to be the same.
The city will be going through its third election in 14 months which has resulted in a certain amount of voter fatigue.
The weather could also play spoilsport with the meteorological department predicting a drizzle. It could serve as a deterrent for voters come election day.
Superstitious beliefs could also play their part with 7 February being considered as the most auspicious day for Hindus and with a large number of weddings taking place in the evening. Many voters could stay away from polling stations because of that.
According to well-known astrologer Pandit Prakash Joshi, "There are four days in February with 'Vivah Yog' and muhurat, these are February 4, 7, 11 and 14. Out of these, February 7 is the most auspicious and there will be many weddings on that day."
Sustained voter awareness programmes of the Delhi electoral office was a major reason behind the record turnout last time. Rock concerts, exhibitions, cycle rallies and other programmes began in 2012 itself.
With time being an issue on this occasion, it has not been able to have the same effect.
It was not until Sunday that the electoral office roped in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
With the middle class traditionally forming a major chunk of BJP's vote bank, a lower turnout could end up helping AAP, which has the support of lower income voters.
