GenNext comes of age

Bhavika Jain (19), MumbaiFor me, the biggest thrill in turning 18 was that I would now be able to vote. But though I’m excited, I’m clueless about who to vote for. Voting rights bring great responsibility. I too am among those who have the power to decide who should be given the authority to take decisions on our behalf.

170 million voters are under 35 — many voting for the first time. What they’re hoping for...

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Bhavika Jain (19), Mumbai

For me, the biggest thrill in turning 18 was that I would now be able to vote. But though I’m excited, I’m clueless about who to vote for. Voting rights bring great responsibility. I too am among those who have the power to decide who should be given the authority to take decisions on our behalf.

R Mazumdar (19), Kolkata
As a toddler, I used to visit polling booths with my parents and get my finger marked too. I would flaunt that mark before friends and claim I had voted. This time, I’ll get to genuinely cast my vote. Some friends argue that one vote makes no difference. But if we all think like that, the deserving candidate will lose.

Ashik Srikumar (18), Thiruvananthapuram
I’ll definitely vote, but I’m not too excited about it. My ideal candidate would be one who can fulfil the aspirations of the youth. Sadly, we don’t have too many options to choose from. I hate politicians who keep changing their positions on issues. I hate listening to rhetoric. I want a candidate who will deliver.