Delhi’s GenNext needs no jingles to vote

As many as 4.2 lakh youngsters have turned 18 this year and would join the Delhi electorate. But first-time voters said the campaigns did not play a role in their decision to vote, reports Tanya Ashreena. See video:1| 2| 3|

The Election Commission and some non-government organisations may have gone all out to attract people to polling booths with jingles, animated advertisements and promotional activities, but that may not have cut ice with Delhi's youngsters.

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As many as 4.2 lakh youngsters have turned 18 this year and would join the Delhi electorate. But first-time voters said the campaigns did not play a role in their decision to vote. To vote or not will be a decision they will make from their hearts.

“I heard ‘Pappu can’t vote’ on FM radio but such jingles do not affect my decision to vote. I would have voted anyway, since it is my right. It is our duty to participate in our country’s political system,” said Neha Bhardwaj, an 18-year-old BSc student of Ramjas College.

Dhruvika Thakur, 19 and her classmate, agreed. “I have seen Jaagore’s advertisements and heard that the election commission has come out with an animation film asking the youth to vote.” She says she would have voted, even if all this hadn’t been done. “I feel my voice should be heard. I really feel that the Congress has led our country to progress. We have the metro and flyovers, and because they nationalised our banks, we have been spared the kind of financial crisis that is being felt elsewhere. People are supporting the BJP because of terror attacks, but with my vote I want to ensure that the Congress stays in power,” she said.

“I’m not voting because of campaigns urging the youth to vote. At 20, I’m old enough not to be influenced by propaganda,” said Aman Lakhia, a second year history student of St. Stephen’s College. Lakhia said it was his conscience that told him that as a responsible citizen he should vote. “I got myself registered to exercise my opinion.”