Guwahati: As the Lok Sabha elections continue at full throttle, today signifies the third phase of one of the nation's lengthiest electoral processes. Guwahati, a major city in the northeastern region, is polling today (May 7). Many first-time voters are also participating in this democratic process.

The Mooknayak visited Cotton University, a prestigious institution in the region established in 1901, which has nurtured numerous scholars and political figures. It is also the alma-mater of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

This reporter spoke to several students, many of whom are first-time voters, to explore their motivations for voting and the key issues influencing their choice of political party at the electronic voting machine (EVM).

In addition to the elections, it is also an exam season. Like in any other educational institution, the canteen serves as the primary gathering spot for students.

For Hridayjyoti Das, 18, devastating floods, which plagues the city every year, is the main issue.

According to data from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, a total of 838 individuals lost their lives in floods in Assam between 2013 and 2022. Among these fatalities, 181 occurred last year, marking the highest death toll in a single year due to floods. In 2017, there were 160 reported human deaths, followed by 122 in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and 102 in 2019.

The young student took a dig at the current Member of Parliament from Guwahati, Queen Ojha. “She failed to deliver on any of her promises,” he alleged.

Tanushree Deb, 19, talked about the rights of the marginalised. Guwahati has seen a lot of developmental projects such as flyovers and roads in the past few years. But according to her, one needs to look into the minimum wage that a worker earns and if that is sufficient for their livelihood.

Jigyas Dutta, 19, stated he will vote for a government that thinks about the people and is committed to keep democracy alive, and not one that only focuses on building bridges and flyovers.

Rohit, 19, and Kangan Agarwal, 20, feel strongly about the economy and employment opportunities. Both mention that as young students, they would want to feel secure in the job sector.

Rohit further talked about manifestos and said, “I have read the Opposition party’s manifesto, and they talk about unemployment more than the incumbent government.”

For Dimee, 21, the background of the candidates who are contesting is important too. She would take into consideration the experience and the number of criminal cases against a candidate.

“When it comes to issues,” she added, “I like to see solutions to everyday problems.”

“I do not care about exaggerated promises but want resolution of simple issues that affect the common citizens,” she said.

Taking an example, she asked, “Every year, parties talk about flash floods, but has there been any change?”

CAA an Important Issue?

Raktim, 19, focused on the recently enacted Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and proper implementation of the Assam Accord.

“As an Assamese, we cannot support CAA as it violates the Assam Accords. The present government is supporting the legislation, which will impact us,” he stated.

Debabrata Saikia, leader of Opposition in the state assembly, and Congress MP Abdul Khaleque have filed a plea in the Supreme Court, alleging that the CAA discriminates on religious grounds and violate the Assam Accord.

Many opponents of the CAA in the state have pointed out that according to the accord, which was signed in early 80’s following a widespread violence, the cut-off date for granting citizenship to foreigners is March 25, 1971.

They argue that granting citizenship to non-Muslim illegal migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, contradicts the provisions of the accord.

Many feel the same. Jigyas further commented that the protest against the CAA is directly interlinked with the cultural fabric of the Assamese society.

“If immigrants come in, we might lose out on our culture. Fifty years from now, there might not be any Assamese culture left,” he commented.

But back in 2021 Assam Assembly elections, the anti-CAA protests did not create much of a dent for the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).