A look at the regional differences in voting patterns: Data

Voter opinions in southern India differ significantly from other regions, impacting voting behavior and alliances in upcoming elections.

The aspirations and opinions of voters in the southern States — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana — vary considerably compared to those in other regions, especially the north, according to the pre-poll survey conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)-Lokniti in March-April.

For example, in the survey, when asked to rate their satisfaction level with the Central government, only 16% in the south said they were fully satisfied compared with 27% from the north and west and 21% from the east and north-east. When asked whether the construction of the Ram Mandir will impact Hindus, 28% from the south said it won’t impact Hindus much, the highest share among all the regions. Also, 38% from the south said they intend to vote for the BJP and its allies in 2024 compared with 50% in the north and west and 47% in the east and north-east.

Table 1A | The table shows the percentage of seats won by alliances (based on current coalitions) in 2019 across regions.

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Table 1B | The table shows the percentage of votes secured by them in 2019 across regions. 

Past election results show that such stark differences in opinions impacted the regions’ voting behaviour too. The tables in the graphic depict the region-wise voting patterns in 2019 and 2014. However, the comparison is based on the alliances formed to fight the 2024 general election. The regions are based on geographical and linguistic divides (see graphic footnote).

Table 2A | The table shows the percentage of seats won by alliances (based on current coalitions) in 2014 across regions.