Monday, February 17, 2014

Lok Sabha 2014 - What will young India vote for?


People have different expectations at different times and politicians have exploited these expectations to stay in power. Will the 2014 elections be similar to any of its previous elections or does Young India want something else that the politicians need to worry?

Voting in the early independence era

In the early era immediately after India's freedom, democracy was new to India. The decision "who to vote" was comparatively a simple one - who helped India get the freedom? People voted political parties they thought gave them results. The past results dictated the tone of the propaganda and people had clear idea on who to vote - in short the 'Past Performance' determined the winner.

 

Fast forward 25 years from independence

Political parties realized that no longer the propaganda of past performance would work - it had become stale and people were used to living in free India. People wanted something more. So political parties provided them hope - a promise for the future. People bought ideas like 'Roti, kapda and makaan' if they voted for so-n-so party. In short, politicians promised 'Future Results' and voters chose the one they thought would deliver those results. Promises were enough for winning as people were only starting to understand the concept of democracy.

 

Fast forward to present day. What will young India vote for in 2014? Past? Future? or ....

Young India is practical, fast and more aware of their rights than any generations before them. While generations before them looked towards political parties to show and lead the way, Young India wants to show the way itself - they want to vote for those who will give them what they want NOW! Past results nor future promises will work anymore. Parties who recognize this, will have to convince the young voters in a concrete transparent way i.e. in their day to day actions starting now. Only those parties stand a chance who will deliver right now. Only those will survive who can demonstrate the change that is needed now. Only those will win who will give the people of India a great present and not just a promise of a good future!

Will today's political parties change to address the needs of Young India or will they risk sticking to the tried and tested formula of yesterday? That my friends I would love to hear from you ...

14 comments:

  1. Good one. It really makes you think as to where we are heading as a country. Wonder if the politicians will ever change or still continue as they have for the past 60 odd years. Lets hope the current generation voters can bring about a change.

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    1. Thanks for your comment. Will politicians change? They HAVE TO! That's the thing about a maturing economy! People's needs and expectations change as a country matures in a democracy. Because of technology and globalization people are more informed and know their rights. Today people travel abroad and have seen what quality of life really means. The same old trumpet of roti, kapda aur makaan will go on deaf ears.

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  2. Nice one..true reflection of societal thought. "India today" is a generation that believes in what it sees rather than what it hears. We are now a nation of people who have realized the true strength of democracy and believe in being the instruments of change we seek. Good job..vivek!!

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    1. "we ... believe in being the instruments of change we seek" that's a great say friend :) . I am sure with such ownerships (instead of waiting for others), we are not far away from a better India. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful thought!

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  3. Perfect!
    Not only ur generation, even our generation expects the same.
    U have put it very right vivek!

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  4. Thanks Manda, yeah I agree the thought goes across generations - more reasons for our politicians to worry :)

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  5. Well said Vicky...Keeping the above in mind we should not forget that the change begins with us taking the responsibility of casting our vote...39 - 43% voting is pathetic ....and the worst thing is that of the 57% that do not vote....approximately 85% are so called educated Indians who feel the entire process is a waste of time and then grumble about the politicians...

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    1. Thanks Ignatius, those numbers are pretty scary ain't it? As you say, the ones who grumble are the educated ones makes it that more difficult for the change to happen. This time however there are some new parties, like the one in Delhi, who may perhaps influence the so called middle class to come out of their house to vote. Thanks again, as your feedback gave me a topic for my next article "Why politicians are better than me (a common man)" ....:)...

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  6. Mrs. Asita Nilesh Dalvi18 February, 2014 14:31

    A very well documented and presented article Vivek. The magnificent journey of democratic India portrayed by you perfectly provides the glimpse of what we did uptill now and yes indeed NOW its time to act for the PRESENT. I feel we as Indians should contribute to empower our nations strengths. I agree with your opinion that politicians have to change rather we should enforce them to represent today's real INDIA. Introspection at individual level is necessary to understand and implement these changes. I believe progress is impossible without change.

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    1. Thank you Mrs. Dalvi. That's a deep thought "...I believe progress is impossible without change." ... I am glad a lot of Indians like you are agreeing that its enough of future promises and NOW is the time to change.To boil down on the comments so far we have to see how politicians as well as the people play their part in bringing this change.

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  7. Very well said.. I guess the youth of today is more clear of what they want.. The politicians definitely cannot make empty promises, coz, we the people are not ignorant to fall for these anymore.. We are the PRESENT.. N v r the voice of this nation... Also, we as individuals need to bring about small changes within ourselves.. A wave, an awakening..

    Perfectly written article.. 👍👍

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  8. Good article Vivek. The recently concluded assembly elections saw a significant increase in voter-turnout among the youth. This resulted into (un) predicated result. Now came the turn where all the political parties realized this and they are slowly graduating from media to social media, which is actually a good sign. Some parties are now working on the face lift of their party workers taking into consideration the youth. But yes, it’s the youth who has taken the lead now. Ofcourse every single person has his/her opinion but there is still a set of people who had bonded them for a single party, who don’t want to think out of the box.

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    1. You are right Nilesh, some parties have recognized these and are taking noticeable actions, some parties which have not probably won't be heard for long. What I am curious is about how the young voter turnout will be for Lok Sabha elections especially in urban areas.Thanks for your comments and hope to see you back again soon:)

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    2. Good article and good point of view among many others what u offer is imp factor to vote but also imp id a clear policy and deliverence voters should ask this too also imp is leadership leading from front peiple should not seek a dreamrr but a visionary

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