India’s general election is this week, and the big story is the 18 million new voters casting ballots for the first time. These young people could significantly impact the results.
- Over 18 million Indians are first-time voters in this election
- They come from all across the country, including states like Kerala and Uttar Pradesh
- Top issues for young voters include women’s safety, better healthcare, and equal rights
What matters most to these newly eligible voters? And how will their voices shape India’s future?
Youth Voices on Key Election Issues
The BBC asked some of these 18 million first-time voters about their top concerns. While their priorities differed across states, some common themes emerged:
Equality and Constitutional Rights
“I need to change caste discrimination from the country,” said one young voter in Kerala. Others worried about protecting constitutional rights and avoiding religious divisions.
A student in Uttar Pradesh stated, “Political parties should not support any particular community or religion. We all have the right to profess our religion and culture.”
Better Infrastructure and Public Services
Multiple first-time voters across India cited access to quality healthcare, education, and transportation as significant issues.
“India lacks infrastructure on a huge scale,” commented a young voter. Another highlighted the need for more developed hospitals, especially in rural villages.
Women’s Safety and Opportunities
For first-time female voters, having a government prioritizing women’s security and empowerment is crucial. One student spoke about being sexually harassed and wanting safer public transit.
“If the government provides security for women and female students, there will be more educated people in remote areas of India,” she said.
The Power of Youth Voices
With over 18 million energized new voters, India’s youth could significantly influence this election’s outcome through their growing political voice.
As one first-timer said, “This is the age we start forming our opinions. We can vote for the first time and see how it unfolds – very exciting!”
Their concerns reveal that youth want an India with equal rights, better public services, and more opportunitiesโespecially for women. How will parties respond to earn these decisive new votes?
