Pubs and bars are packed in the evenings in India’s tech capital of Bangalore. But, unlike other times, the buzz is not office gossip or business deals. It’s about political parties, candidates and who will win.

"The conversation here these days is all about elections," IT professional Soumyadeep Chatterjee, 27, told IANS as he waited for his friends at Hard Rock Cafe on Bangalore’s upscale St.Marks Road, a favourite pub among well-heeled youth.

Many regulars at these places want to teach a lesson to the moral police at the hustings, with one rightwing outfit having attacked women in a Mangalore pub in January.

"A series of attacks on women by the moral police brigade in Bangalore was shameful," said Piyali Kapoor, 30, a technical writer, while sipping her favourite ale at the Pub World on Residency Road. "I am going to vote against those who have been silent about vulnerable women being attacked for wearing Western outfits."

Global economic meltdown, terrorism, moral policing and the stand of political parties on these issues dominate the talk among youth at their favourite watering holes.

They, however, refuse to reveal which party or candidate they will vote for on April 23 when Bangalore’s three constituencies go to polls.

"I am voting for the party which is going to help the country come out of the global financial meltdown," Chatterjee said. "Issues like corruption, terrorism and poverty alleviation are some of the key factors that rank high among urban voters."

Pub owners are happy. "Yes, there has been a steady rise in the number of visitors. We’re having some lively discussions over beer mugs," said Ashok Sadhvani, managing director of The Pub World.

At Tavern on Museum Road, a group of young people compare the assets and criminal records of candidates in the three constituencies.

"We want to make an informed choice. We are checking whether the candidates have any criminal records, the work done by them, their assets, etc.," said Bhargav Reddy, 28, an entrepreneur.