2018  heralds a new era in Indian politics, a whole new generation of Voters who were born on or after 1^st January 2000 will start getting eligible to exercise their voting rights this year. The new age voters come with a dynamism that is bound to revolutionize Indian political scenario in coming years.

One thing that the political analysts agree about is that the Millennial Young Voters come with an inherent optimism about being able to achieve. Ishan Russell a psephology expert feels that their minds are uncluttered and opinions are much stronger.  “The Millennial voters  have  abundant exposure on social media. They pick up a lot of their extra-curricular knowledge about politics , governance and administration from Twitter and Facebook. Compared to a 50+ voter, these youth have tremendous exposure and their questions are many” says Ishan .

The Young brigade is assertive and strongly opiniated. Devyani ,an 18 year old Bengalurian who turns 18 coming March is excited about the state polls this summer. She plans to enlist as a voter as soon as she is eligible and then ensure she casts her vote. “ Its many like me who face the challenges, be it about policy matters on Education , Women’s safety , Health or Transportation. It’s  around us that the policy matters should be discussed. It’s only once we go out there and vote, that the political parties will pay attention to our needs. We can and will make a difference. I am inspiring my friends and class mates to enlist as voters.

It’s something that political parties understand well. A reason why political campaigns are now getting more centred around social media. It’s easier to connect with the millennial voters on the social media.   B R Naidu, Secretary in KPCC feels parties must necessarily adopt to the aspirations of these new voters. “We understand that for a large majority  of the youth cultural, caste and community divides don’t matter. They have open minds un-polluted by rhetoric and hate campaigns. We have to work our campaign to reach our messaging to them on their phones” says Naidu.

While Aam Admi Party and the BP have been ahead in the path and have been working on internet campaigns for a while now, the Congress and the Janata Dal(Secular) are gearing up resources and strategy for it.

The percentage of the Millennial voters maybe smaller , but given that they can influence results will see the political campaign reaching campuses.  Even the Election Commission is targeting campuses for its Voter Enrolment Drives hoping to bring in maximum possible voters