Young guns stake a claim

The word ‘election’ has always given us a feeling that it is a platform for veterans. Many a time, we have witnessed uproar over lack of sufficient seats for young candidates in elections.

However, it seems that the norm is gradually changing, at least in the state legislature elections, as a lot of young candidates are contesting in the local body polls this time.

From college students to actors and models, many young leaders are foraying into the political arena. We talked to a few to find out what motivated them to try their luck in politics.

What we found common in all candidates is that all of them want to be agents of change. They firmly believe that the future of the country lies in the hands of youngsters. And they are least bothered about the output of the polls.

Fenisha Philomena Roy, an LDF-backed candidate and a college student from Kochi, says it was her decision to contest the polls. “I have no political background.”

“I did my degree in St Teresa’s College where election is not allowed. My division needs a lot of change and that encouraged me to contest the elections. I am here for a change and I believe, people too want a young person capable of bringing in development,” says Fenisha, adding that she could feel that yearning during campaign.

Athira Dileep, another LDF candidate contesting in the 7th ward, Neeleswaram division, Malayattoor, is just 21. A final year MA English Literature student at the Kalady Sanskrit University, she is an active member of the SFI. “My family supports the Congress, but I believe in the principles of the Communist Party. I am an active SFI member and I’m into social service in my locality, which prompted the party to choose me as the candidate,” says Athira in a firm voice.

Visiting different places has widened her perspective about her village and she asserts that she would work for her people even if she couldn’t make it in the polls.

For Henna Maria Kennedy, the BJP candidate from 23rd division, Kalamassery Municipality, Kochi, this is a way to serve society in a better way. “I am already into social service. I believe that politics will open more paths,” the model-turned-politician says.

Stephy J. George, the UDF candidate from Kesavadasapuram, says: “I landed in politics through the Congress Seva Dal. Besides me, there are a few more young candidates from my area. I think this year parties have given priority to youngsters, which is a good omen.”

Other candidates concur with Stephy, but, it doesn’t mean that they do not respect the experience and knowledge of veterans.

“It is a fact that they know everything about the place and people better than newcomers. But, when young people come, they will have a very different perspective about development. They will be willing to try new things to solve problems. They will be able to understand the feelings of the current generation,” says Henna.

Athira has a different opinion on the emergence of youth in the elections. “Political conditions have changed. If people had learnt the basics of politics listening to songs and through discussions before, the new generation developed their political view through experience and reading. We need educated administrators in future to understand the pulse of the generation and act accordingly,” she says.

And that is evident in their campaigning modes. They use new media as one of the tools to reach voters. However, one topic that is being discussed in social media is the change in fashion sense among the candidates. A few believe that switching to salwar and saris from jeans is a trick.

Do these new-generation candidates believe they need to change their dress code for the occasion? Henna has an answer. “I usually wear a jeans and top. Length of the top could be any because I was not concerned about what people think of me. But, now, I am a political figure and I have to be conscious. I don’t have to dress politically (particular material or colour), but I have to be proper. Now, I wear kurti and leggings.”