General apathy is the Gen-next response to BBMP polls

The trendy young, who were screaming from the roof tops about the necessity to participate in the democratic process have been conspicuous by their absence in the lead-up to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections. While it may be simply down to the general apathy surrounding the elections after innumerable postponements and tribulations, it may well be an indicator of what our gen-next respond to.

Those who have participated in campaigns to mobilise voter registration put the reasons down to the lack of information dissemination. Vijay Pamarathi, a veteran of voter registration drives, says that the exposure of urbane and cosmopolitan youth of the City to televised news may be the reason for the apathy.

“A BBMP election will never find itself on the rash of national news channels we have. Further, the irregularity of the cycle of the BBMP election in addition to the differences in practices at the panchayat, taluk level and in other states contribute to low awareness amongst the young of the city,” he says.

However, Irfan a young entrepreneur says that the youth cannot be simply defined as only those who speak English as their first language. “At the ward level, almost all campaigns are managed by the young. Particularly youngsters from a middle class and lower middle class background are extremely active and aware,” he says.

Madan Mohan Kumar

I am not aware of the BBMP Polls. Before any election, the candidate only makes promises of asphalting roads and 24-hour supply of water, but none of the promises get fulfiled. This election should bring about some changes, and I hope the right candidate does something for my ward, CV Raman Nagar.

Priyanka

I do not know much about the polls.  All I want is a fair election where the process must be transparent.  Although I had problems voting last time with my name not being listed in the ward I live, I should be able to vote this time without any hassles.

Anirudh Shetty 

I stay in Kaggadasapura. Sometime back, pits were dug near my place and was left open for more than six months.  This caused a lot of traffic jams and it took a really long time for me to reach my college.  We want work to be completed on time.  Candidates and partymen should stop fighting amongst themselves and should work for development.  

Siddarth S

My ward comes under Indiranagar. Till the work on the Metro began, there was no big civic problem. I used to reach college in 20 minutes. Now, due to bad roads it takes 40 minutes or more. We want timely repair works. We do not want candidates who give false promises.

Abhilashini

I have only heard of some elections, but do not know what elections.  Depending on the right candidate, I will vote this time.  A councillor must work freely without any restrictions from his partymen. I do not have high hopes like in the past.  Hope the right candidate gets elected and works for the development of his ward.