The general elections held in May 2014 were historical for the Indian democracy for two reasons. Firstly, for breaking the long-held tradition of coalition governments as Bharatiya Janta Party won a whopping 282 seats in the Lok Sabha and secondly, for the record-setting voter turn-out. 66% of all registered voters, of which approximately a million were first-time voters, showed up to exercise their franchise. While the nation waited for its new government to be declared, this was a hot topic of discussion in the news and in our homes too. Why?
The youth, as a demographic, is a unique section of the voting population that has distinct interests, long-term aspirations and needs. Political parties acknowledge this fact as is evident from their youth directed campaigns and policies. For instance, in Rajasthan, both BJP and Congress are promising creation of jobs as well as unemployment allowances to sway this section of the voter base.
Clearly, the generations above us are cognizant of our power to influence the results of the Lok Sabha elections this summer. Moreover, we also have the power to engage with, criticise and shape political discourse and there is a pressing need to tap this potential.
For most of us, the first avenue to exercise this power is not on the level of political parties or mass media. It is, instead, our own smaller spheres and forums in college, with our fellow-voters. Initiating dialogue about our responsibility to the future of our country is a recognition of our stake in this future as well.
On the other hand, the choice to be apolitical is a choice which sometimes comes from a place of privilege which shelters us from the worst of what an ineffective government can cause. For example, the brunt of corruption, short-sighted economic policy or festering communal tensions which impact different strata of society differently.
Our first point of contact with people different from ourselves should not be second-hand information through media channels, which also have their own vested interests, but rather deliberation within our peer groups to enrich our own understanding about these concerns.
More often, this distance between national politics and the youth is not a result of insensitivity, but rather disillusionment with democratic machinery and the lack of effective choice. Disenchantment, frustration, apathy and ignorance, everything that hinders political discourse to seep into our friend circles, colleges and everyday lives, are obstacles to greater political awareness. Awareness, which recognises every choice as consequential and every action as meaningful.
The growth of this consciousness, however, stagnates when it is in a singular direction, i.e. top-down. For instance, the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) is a programme spearheaded by the Election Commission of India which focuses on encouraging such a political consciousness to flourish and to motivate voters’ participation. How can we make the most of these efforts and carry them forward?
The specific question of our political inclinations is not secondary to this issue. The more critical we are of the media we consume, the more receptive we are to the views of those around us, the more willing we are to proactively create a safe space in our colleges and friend circles for such conversations. Subsequently, the more politically aware and cautious about our loyalties we become.
The priority in the run-up to 2019 elections then is not to look at our responsibility to vote in isolation, but to look at it as a collective duty to converse, empathise, educate ourselves and then bring to power who it is we deem capable of leading our nation to the future we envision. In light of this, what we do today with our right to vote and our power to effect political change is a crucial determinant of what tomorrow can and can not offer us.