As much as 91.5 per cent of the techies at Technopark, the State-owned technology park in Thiruvananthapuram, intend to vote in the Assembly elections to be held on Monday.
This and other numbers emerged from an online survey promoted by TechnoparkToday.com, a discussion forum for techies.
In the survey held ahead of the Assembly elections in 2011, only 63 per cent had said they would vote. Coming from the more than 50,000-strong audience, this message should warm the cockles of parties and candidates in what is a close fight in Kerala.
An estimated 35.5 per cent of these voters have shifted their constituency to near Technopark or Thiruvananthapuram from their hometowns. Only 2.2 per cent are yet to enrol in the voters’ list. At least 62.3 per cent will vote in their hometowns.
BJP’s chances As for poll expectations, 47.7 per cent said the BJP would be able to open its account in Kerala. Asked who is best positioned to rule the State, 60.2 per cent favoured the Left Democratic Front, while 23.8 per cent supported the United Democratic Front.
Choices for CM Only 16 per cent said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has any chance of forming a government in the State.
CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan is the favoured choice for Chief Minister with 25.6 per cent of the techies preferring him over others. Senior party colleague VS Achuthanandan came in second with 19.7 per cent. Current Chief Minister Oommen Chandy followed not far behind at 17.8 per cent. Interestingly, O Rajagopal (BJP) was the choice of 11.7 per cent.
Little Modi impact At last 34.2 per cent techies believe the Modi effect will reflect in the results, while 65.8 per cent think it will not.