Newspaper Coverage of Elections and Public Opinion in Lucknow: A Case Study of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

Abstract

Elections are considered the most crucial activity in the democratic country like India. Democracy lies in the hands of the people who cast their vote during elections and decides the fate of the nation by forming new government. Parliamentary Elections in India popularly known as Lok Sabha Elections are considered country’s biggest event with all grandness and extensively it is conducted. Preparing for General Elections in nation like India which is huge as well as diverse from north to south; east to west is a big challenge for Election Commission as well as political parties contesting. Public opinion before elections is something which is studied all around the world just to assess or forecast the actual result post polling. The objective of the study is to assess the public opinion in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) in reference to Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Uttar Pradesh is the game changer for general elections as it contributes largest number of seats (80) in Lok Sabha. As a result, all political parties including national and regional gives their best effort to harness seats in Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow being capital to the largest state in terms of population becomes a rationale choice for study. Researcher used survey to collect data from residents of Lucknow across varied religion, caste and community group, gender, financial class, education level, age groups and area. The purpose was to have a proper representation from all class and segment of society to get a comprehensive view of people. Study also attempted to find out the agenda setting
pattern of Hindi newspaper in reference of Lok Sabha Elections 2019. Dainik Jagran, a Hindi daily newspaper which has largest circulation in Uttar Pradesh is selected for content analysis. Time frame for content analysis of newspaper was 15 days before votes were casted in Lucknow. Study also focuses on establishing relationship between newspaper coverage and public opinion before votes were casted in Lucknow.