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Will the greenhorns rock the boat?

Excited youth dream of a bright India and pin their hopes on new entrants, writes S.S.KAVITHA

PHOTO: G. MOORTHY.

CAREFREE LOOK They are conscious and take calculated steps

Political parties have already launched an `e-campaign.' But are the e-generation voters impressed? More importantly, are they excited about their newfound power to vote? Or are they too disillusioned and cynical? They claim that they cannot be taken for granted for they know A to Z about pizzas and politicians though they are not familiar with politics. They are very sensitive and disillusioned about `politics of glitter.'

"All forms of corruption and electoral malpractices are now an open secret and yet we go with the farce," says R.V. Vijayaraj of American College, who is fed up with the `glamorous politics' that is happening in the State.

"I have lost hope, or rather I never believe in the term, `seasoned politicians.' This time I have planned to give an opportunity to newcomers, hoping for a brighter Tamil Nadu," he says.

Like father, like son

A disillusioned R. Reuben Peter Nayagam of the same college says he has stopped visiting cinemas for he is able to watch and enjoy `political super-comedy shows' enacted by politicians in different television channels.

Though he is not for `old leaders,' Reuben plans to cast his vote for one of the oldest political parties, following in the path of his father.

S. Vigneshwaran of Yadava College has decided to give a chance to a newcomer hoping that he will do some good "till the time he knows the nuances of politics and corruption."

Echoing the same opinion, N. Balaji Jain is hopeful of a better performance by newcomers " because at least to sustain himself in politics he will do some better things."

With a cynical attitude, P. Balasubramanian says, "Let all get a chance for `surandal'" and accepts e-campaign as a wonderful tool to reach the youth for most college-goers sport mobiles and surf the Internet all the time.

But then there are more basic problems to be addressed, he quips and says many first-time voters are impatient with the cumbersome procedure of enrolment.

"I wish someone, for instance, will provide proper information and assistance on how to get a voter ID card," he says. " If people think and make the right choice, it will make a whole lot of difference," he says.

War of words

"It is very disheartening to watch politicians waging a war of words, washing their dirty linen in public, instead of addressing public issues," says R. Sabhana of Madura College.

She feels ashamed of seeing politicians seeking votes with the help of glamour and it is ridiculous to note that a North Indian actress had been roped in to seek votes "with her broken Tamil."

"The idea of voting is exciting because it is a step to become a real citizen for you will have your say in politics. But it is horrible to watch the happenings on the political arena," says U. Vijayalakshmi of Fatima College.

India shining?

Holding a starkly different view, Vijayalakshmi opines, "Electoral process certainly makes sense in an egalitarian society. But when you know that votes are bought and there is not a soul worth being your representative, what is your vote worth," she asks. "All forms of corruption and electoral malpractices are explicit."

She even wonders how politicians believe that `India is shining' when the situation seems bleaker than ever before on the higher education and employment scenario.

A. Priyadharsini echoes a similar enthusiasm when she says that the power to vote is just a novelty for her. Though the situation is not ideal, being cynical about politics will not help "Yet I have plans to boycott the polls because I do not have faith in the candidates who are contesting."

"Politicians are a selfish lot; they work only to remain in power. They never keep their promises," she says, adding "politics is a powerful tool to serve the people but here politicians use money instead of their brains."

Taking about giving a chance to new entrants, Priya is not for it. "Every Tom, Dick and Harry cannot rule us. New entrants should have a firm root and they should have a political background."

Invariably, youth are not happy with the political trend in Tamil Nadu and also they are not ready to stomach campaign promises, which range from free television sets to free rice.

"It shows how political parties can stoop to any level to woo voters," says Vigneshwaran.

Youth have a hearty laugh at the `political comedy-shows' telecast in satellite television channels. And most of them realise the importance of the right to vote and are raring to exercise their franchise. They have a dream of a better and brighter India. The enthused youth also believe that their vote will make a difference in poll results.

They are not green in their judgement for they take the political parties' agendas and promises with a pinch of salt and they have definite and clear views on what their needs are.

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