Bangaloreans don't want BS Yeddyurappa: 'DNA' survey

The image of Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa as well as his  party (BJP) has taken a severe beating as the sordid series of land scams and financial irregularities shows no sign of ending.

The probe on the scams may drag on, but Bangaloreans are in a punishing mood. Only 39% of the voters in the city intend to vote for BJP if Yeddyurappa is the chief ministerial candidate again—that is, an overwhelming majority of 61% do not want his continuance.

Results of a snap poll — conducted by DNA in association with AZ Research Partners to gauge the pulse of the voter if elections were to be announced now — reflects the strong disapproval among the people about the scam-tainted Yeddyurappa regime.

If elections were to be held today, BJP’s vote share will see a significant 6% slump and Congress is all set to humble the BJP with an 8% positive swing of votes in its favour. But JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy’s relentless endeavour to ‘expose’ the scams has sent his popularity soaring—he has been voted as the most preferred chief ministerial candidate.

However, that is so only because Congress has no senior leader worth taking over the reins of the state administration, according to the survey. But Kumaraswamy’s popularity may not change the fortunes of his party as JD(S) too has suffered a negative swing of 3% votes. The opinion poll with a sample size of 221 voters has given a big thumbs-down for chief minister BS Yeddyurappa as 46% of the respondents have given him a ‘Very Bad’ rating on the question of honesty.

BJP losing ground, big gain for Congress
The snap poll indicates a 6% fall in BJP’s vote share to 40% from its performance in 2008 assembly elections when it polled 46% of the votes. Congress has emerged as the clear alternative as it is set to garner an 8% swing in its favour as its competitor in the opposition camp, JD(S) too is set to lose its vote share from 16% to 13%. The survey reflects Congress’ vote share going up from 35% to 43%.

61% say no to Yeddyurappa
The question on intent to vote for Yeddyurappa as the chief minister provides the answer for the ruling party to get its act together as only 40% of the respondents said they intend to vote for BJP. This marginally drops to 39% when specifically asked about their intention to vote if Yeddyurappa is the chief ministerial candidate.

As Yeddyurappa is fast slipping down, JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy has emerged as the most popular candidate for the coveted post. Kumaraswamy with a 33% score is way ahead of Yeddyurappa who has an approval rating of 28%. Bangaloreans see Union external affairs minister SM Krishna as the best bet for the post from Congress, but the senior leader is way behind with a score of 16%.

CM scores ‘Very Bad’ in honesty, efficiency test
People’s verdict on the key aspects of Yeddyurappa’s honesty, efficiency and leadership skills is decisive and it is a clear ‘Very Bad’. Up to 46% of the respondents have rated Yeddyurappa as ‘Very Bad’ on honesty and 15% has voted him as ‘Bad’. Only 39% of the respondents have given him a rating of average/good/very good. His rating on Efficiency too is no different with 40% rating him ‘Very Bad’ and 21% giving him ‘Bad’ rating.

Research need, objectives
The key objective of the opinion poll was to assess whether Yeddyurappa would win the polls if they were to happen now. The following aspects were considered:
>    Voting patterns in the last election
>    Expected voting patterns if elections were to be held today
>    Switch from the last elections
>    Intention to vote for BSY to be the CM again if elections were held today
>    The following parameters were considered while assessing the chief minister: Honesty, Efficiency, Control over the party, Standing in the BJP, Leadership Skills (on a scale of 10)
>    Preferred candidate to be the next CM
The opinions were taken from residents of B’lore
>    Equal mix of men and women
>    18 years and above
>    Voted in last assembly elections
>    Intend to vote in next poll
>    Sample size: 221 voters