Guwahati: Canteens, classrooms and hostel corridors are echoing with election discussions, replacing routine college chatter, as a new generation of first time voters prepares to step into the democratic process, clear in their belief that they do not seek messiahs but want thoughtful and accountable statesmen.Mayur Pratim Das (19), who hails from Assam, is currently studying in Delhi and will be casting his vote for the first time. “Elections have become monotonous, reflecting a shift in political dynamics. In the 1990s, people actively participated in state movements, which made them politically aware and forced politicians to take issues seriously. Today, engagement has faded, and campaigns often feel superficial,” he said.
He added that the electoral dynamics today reflect strategic voting patterns, where middle-class voters often consider vote distribution, party dominance, and financial influence while shaping their choices. “The new govt should implement clear, well-planned, and effective policies that promote unity and development,” he added.Tanuj Samaddar (21), another first-time voter from the state, highlighted that the newly-elected govt must focus on development that helps the youth, making them acquainted with new domains of learning. “Rather than focusing on incentives to students, the govt should make provision for students to learn subjects like artificial intelligence,” Samaddar said.Another first-time voter, Upamanyu Hritam Mahanta (20), said, “The extensive cutting of hills and forests in the Dhemaji region has raised serious concerns about the nature of development.” Mahanta said govt should focus on bringing lesser-known tribes into the national spotlight and creating greater awareness about their identity and contributions.
