Young ignore BRS, BJP; rally behind Congress for LS polls
Hyderabad: The political atmosphere is intensifying in Hyderabad and Secunderabad as young voters prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections on Monday. Amidst the multitude of parties and contestants vying for attention, the city's youthful population is rallying behind the Congress, while showing apathy towards BRS and BJP at the local level.
Many young citizens are drawn to Congress' promises of economic prosperity, national security, and infrastructural development. Shubang Agarwal, a 20-year-old degree student, expressed his confidence in Congress's vision for a prosperous and secure India, stating, "I trust their plans for our country's future and want to give them a chance."
Echoing similar sentiments, Kiran, a 21-year-old engineering student from Keshav Memorial Institute of Technology, pointed to Congress' neutrality and its alignment with India's inclusive ideology. He criticised BJP's divisive tactics, remarking, "There's a lot of polarisation happening, and it's tearing our nation apart. I want Congress to win this election. They are a neutral party, which does not side with any ideology or religion, which I think speaks India’s ideology.”
Imtiyaz Khan, a 21-year-old from Khairatabad, voiced his support for Congress due to his dissatisfaction with other candidates in the Secunderabad parliamentary constituency. "Kishan Reddy has neglected our areas. I'll vote for Danam Nagender," he asserted.
While there is notable support for BJP among youth in the twin cities, particularly from individuals like Ch. Bhavana and Vithal Bhaswanth, who appreciate the party's developmental initiatives at the Central level, there is a marked disinterest in the BRS party.
“The Congress candidate is known to jump parties, and the BRS is not in power anymore”, Bhavana said.
Vithal Bhaswanth, 23, from Ameerpet said he’d vote for BJP as well, as he saw development in the central level by BJP.
Sai Teja from Malakpet expressed disillusionment with the previous government's performance in addressing local issues.
Despite the prevailing party fervour, many young voters are focusing on evaluating candidates based on their manifestos, past performance, and community feedback. In a discussion organised by the Youngistaan Foundation, participants highlighted the importance of choosing representatives who prioritise the constituency's welfare.