All the political parties are trying to woo the young voters as they are likely to play a significant role in Srikakulam district in the coming elections. The parties are keen to feel their pulse and garner their support to win the seats.
Of the total number of 19.28 lakh voters in the constituency, 1.21 lakh are youth who are going to participate in the democratic process in the ensuing elections. Many of the candidates felt that the new addition of voters to the electoral roll would tilt the balance since each Assembly constituency has around 10,000 new voters. Out of 10 Assembly constituencies, Itchapuram witnessed 16,768 enrolments of new voters, the highest in the district, followed by Srikakulam (16,188). The lowest enrolment of the first timers was in Narasannapeta with 8,792 new registrations.
‘Development comes first’Majority of the youngsters are fresh graduates and engineering students. Political experts say that the youngsters think alike and they can make or break the prospects of the candidates. According to them, the new generation might select the parties which can ensure a decent life in the new State. “Naturally, we think of job opportunities and development of the new State. Candidate is secondary for us,” said S. Priyanka, an engineering student.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Dean Gunta Tulasirao told The Hindu that youngsters’ role was crucial in all the 10 Assembly segments in the district. Sri Vaishnavi Engineering College Director Jami Bhimashanaka Rao opined that the new generation should think twice before casting their votes. “They can take the right decision. That is why all the parties are trying to please them with the choicest of promises,” he said.
Published - April 27, 2014 03:39 pm IST
