As estimated and released by the Election Commission recently, there will be more than 100 million first-time voters in the 2014 elections. It's a number big enough to warrant the youth bracket its very own etymology--ballot virgins--and big enough to ensure that no political party spares any expense as far as wooing young India is concerned. Case in point, NAMO's ludicrous 'youth anthem' that grabbed (and hopefully amused) eyeballs just a few months ago. Read on for the full script.
I. Why should the young vote for you?
Milind Deora at his Youth Parliament Initiative
II. Would such programmes be your counter to those criticising you for focussing more on the wealthier citizens in your constituency? If not, how would you counter these accusations?
Winners of Milind Deora Soccer Championship
IV. As one of the younger MPs, do you feel that you have as much of a voice as those who have been around longer?
Actually, I think I work in a profession where you see the extreme diversities of age. I mean i've worked with a prime minister who's a very senior person and I think in a country like India what you need is a mix of the two. There needs to be that balance between age and experience and youth and enthusiasm. As young people we tend to think we have solutions to all the problems but the truth is we don't. You've got great responsibility in the government and you need to be thinking about that. Whether i'm debating an e-governance initiative in my ministry with the prime minister, his understanding of how governments work and how to take people along..all of that is invaluable for me going forward. We need both and I think most of parliament is in agreement on that.
V. Mumbai's youth is often accused of political apathy. Since you've spent a lot of time between both Mumbai and Delhi, would you concur with this statement?
VI. So what kind of advice would you give them to empower their choice?
VII. But wouldn't you say that you made the same mistake as them? You were one of the few people who moved to support the AAP from within your own party.
VIII. Give us some personal analysis. Where exactly do you feel they went wrong in their governance?
milind_2_1357892931_600x450IX. Let's talk about factors the youth is likely to consider when it comes to their vote. As a musician yourself, how important do you think it is for them to consider their creative freedom and just how much a party is capable of limiting their creative expression?
10. There are plenty of conflicting stories about that though. Besides, wouldn't you say there's something to be said for people who wear their intentions on there sleeves versus the ones who hide behind a facade of morality?
11. Ok, let's lighten the mood a little. Modi or Kejriwal for PM? You have to choose.
12. And if you were to be re-elected, what album would you choose to play in celebration?
YoungIndia513. Finally, what is the one thing you intend to do for the youth in this term, if you do get re-elected?
"I know it all and I have the solutions and answers for all of the youth's problems."
