Techies seek stable Karnataka government

BANGALORE, INDIA: Two dry days before the Karnataka Assembly polls might stand as a dampener of sorts for the IT community, known for being party animals.

But some professionals are enthused to exercise their electoral rights. The HR departments of few companies have also taken the initiative by sending reminder mails and providing voters list URL to employees.

IT professionals in the state are looking at various issues while choosing their leader. Majority of techies want a stable government, better infrastructure, freedom from congestion and a better leadership.

"I expect good infrastructure, maintenance of law and order and, power and water supply from the forthcoming government," says Reuben Emmanuel, a technical writer.

“With all the political drama so far, for a stable Karnataka I would bet on Congress. They are better than the rest," adds Emmanuel.

Having fed up with Congress and JD (S) governments in Karnataka many prefer BJP this time.

"We have seen JD and Congress in Karnataka. I guess we should give a chance for BJP," opines an employee from HP, a first-time voter.

Harish Alwar and Sharath Gowder, working for leading IT services company in Bangalore, are also of the same opinion.

"If Congress comes to power, Bangalore will be benefited. But what about the rest of Karnataka? I feel BJP will be good," says Gowder.

However, there were also some skeptic voices. "Frankly speaking I still doubt how long the new government will last. It doesn't matter who will win when you don't have faith on them," says Prakash Rao, an engineer who does design works for a software company in Bangalore.

Rao also vents his anger on political leaders. "The netas harass people when they commute. All the roads are blocked on prime time. This spoils their image. I feel that this time the campaigning was good and peaceful."

He adds that there must be an age bar to contest in the elections.

The IT professionals are satisfied that campaigning went on peacefully. With most of the employees hailing from other states, election is not a much-talked about topic in the IT companies.

While some sections of the IT community is disinterested in casting their votes, there are others who don't possess election cards. Certain professionals feel the election does not make much of a difference.