The vast number of first-time and the young voters are looking forward to a regime that understands their concerns and will be able to address them well
The Congress-led UPA Government's downward journey of misrule has touched several new milestones on corruption, misgovernance and lawlessness at regular intervals. Equally shocking is its party workers' continuous denial and defiance, blaming the vigilante media, calling it biased and even paid. Out of sheer frustration, the party workers demanded a ban on broadcast and publication of opinion polls, which, justifiably, was turned down by the Election Commission. Just as the regime stands exposed, a complete rout of UPA2 in the general election is imminent.
The voters are in a dilemma. This time they want a stable Government, which delivers and is accountable for its deeds and works in a transparent manner. They have to choose between the two: The NDA, the second major national combine besides the UPA, and, one of the regional parties like the SP, the BSP, the TMC, the DMK, the AIADMK etc. It is important to note that a regional party that has failed to deliver in its own State, which accounts for only a fraction of the country, cannot be expected to do justice at the Centre where it has to govern the entire nation. Members of legislative Assemblies have to address issues prevalent in their own States — issues which differ from State to State — but the representatives of Parliament have to deal with national and international matters. They have to work on a comprehensive model of good governance, inclusive growth and a functional House that does not suffer from policy paralysis.
According to an estimate, out of the 790 million eligible voters, there are about 160 million first-time voters, between the age group of 18 and 24 years. By their sheer numbers, they are crucial for any candidate to win. Their main demand is more jobs and less corruption. BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has given special attention to this group, and it could be reflected in the party’s manifesto. There is a need to give boost to the industry and the manufacturing sector for the creation of jobs. This would include opening of skill-development centres and promoting self-employment opportunities.
A first-time voter is often idealist and emotional. He is sensitive to issues like corruption, social justice and women empowerment. His angst against the tainted candidates, the bahubalis with criminal backgrounds, who con the hapless voters and force them to sell their voting slips in exchange of money or terrorise them to vote in their favour, is palpable. This time, these new voters can become the game-changer by taking a vow that they would not vote for a candidate with a criminal background. By virtue of their huge numbers they can teach the political parties the lesson that a candidate's winnability depends not on his money and muscle power but on his character and deliverability.
There are indications that the BJP will offer the middle class revised tax slabs and relaxation on income tax, as well as a reduction in interest rates. The issue of incontrollable inflation could be dealt with by presenting a model of a viable and robust economic policy, drafted by experts and experienced advisers. The Modi brand of economic policy should bring back on rails the country’s economy and arouse it from the sleep that the present rulers have put it to by their ineffective policies and often by their action.
At this juncture, the country's need for a stable Government is paramount, which is possible by a coalition led by a national-level party such as the BJP. The BJP should win around 220 seats on its own to reach the magical figure of 272 after adding the seats of its allies. This alone can ensure stability. Therefore, it is important for the voters to cast their vote judiciously in this election.