Speaking to a few young first-time voters, one factor that strikes you is their disillusionment with politics. None of them said they were particularly excited about being able to vote. Some of them were very clear in expressing their disappointment with political parties and their candidates. They said they were not worth their vote.
Uttam Shetty, a student of Canara Engineering College, Mangalore, said he will be voting at Shirva in Udupi. He said, “It doesn’t make a difference who I vote for. The candidate is not worth it.” It did not matter who he voted for because there is no difference among the parties. They have the same quality and the same work culture, he said.
Lathish Kulal, a student of S.D.M. College, said, “Because of corruption, I don’t want to vote… seeing all the ministers. But because I will be exercising my right to vote for the first time, I am voting, to see what it is like.” He is aware of the candidates and is all set to vote with the voter’s identity card ready.
Chidananda, a pre-university student in Alike, Dakshina Kannada, but belongs to Gowri Bidanur, said he did not feel like casting his vote for any party. “No candidate is worth it,” he said. He said he had studied the political parties and their candidates, but was concerned that his voter’s identity card is yet to reach him. Some students said they were yet to know who the candidates were. Ashish, who completed II P.U., said, “Yes, first time I will be voting (in the State elections).” He said as of now, he did not know who the candidates were.
Ashish Shetty, a student of S.D.M. College, said he knew the names of the main parties. Mohammed Nihar, a student of Shreedevi College, said, “Yes, I am aware (of the candidates)”.
