As the 2019 general elections draw near, it is the first time voters who may feel the most excited about exercising their voting right. Of 900 million registered voters, about 15 million will be first time voters in the 18-19 age bracket and they are the ones who can’t wait for voting day to come in their city, town or village.
Naturally enough, young voters will be a target audience for political parties, many of which started their campaigns long ago. Interactions with youth and students have been the hallmarks of the campaigns of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and one of his arch rivals, the Congress Presdient, Rahul Gandhi.
Viswakumar a city-based student, is of the opinion that the surgical strike after the Pulwama attack has worked in favour of the Modi government. “The Modi government had done a great job on seeking revenge for Pulwama. The surgical strike was overwhelming, and this would definitely reflect in the election. Every youngster should take part in the election. We should be responsible voters and choose right leaders”, he said.
The recent visit of Rahul Gandhi to Stella Maria’s College in Chennai to interact with students created much hype as well as controversy. A section of the young voters welcomed RaGa’s approach. “His presence was immense and we were eagerly waiting for the interaction opportunity,” said Subha, a student of Stella Maria’s college.
“I was really excited to interact with congress president Rahul Gandhi. His presence made us think about politics and the importance of voting. And I am voting for the first time. We have the power to make someone win in the elections. Being a citizen of the country it feels good to participate in the general election and make sure your voice is heard,” she added.
The election commission is also creating awareness on various social platforms with ‘my vote my rights, and my vote is not for sale’ hashtags doing the rounds. “The social media also plays a crucial role during the election. Most of us these days we get our dose of political information from the social media, be it the parties, or the candidates.” says Sam Arul a student of VIT.
Kavya, a student from SRM University says, more excited and thrilled to vote for the election. “I will be thrilled to take part in celebrating the most crucial aspect of democracy, which is to vote and hae a say in the formation of a government of our choice” she said.
