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'I hear he is spending Rs 1 million on his campaign. I must get some of that'

A Ganesh Nadar speaks to youngsters in southern Tamil Nadu to find out what they think of the electoral process. The first of a national series on the first-time voter:

Rajiv Gandhi lowered the voting age to 18. By doing so, he further divided college students. Every college already had its resident dada (goon) plus members of the ABVP, SFI, BVS and youth wing of every political party. Giving them the right to vote has further strengthened the divide.

Politicians who do not have an iota of morality in their slimy blood have poisoned the atmosphere in and around the young voter.

Unlike adults, young voters make up their mind very easily, the choice based on emotional issues.

Bumadevi says she will vote for the BJP because her dad is in that party.

Femmy said, "I like Sonia, I'll vote Congress."

Rameswari doesn't know how to vote and doesn't want to learn.

Kamala hasn't decided yet, but will not vote for Sonia.

Vidya was in an idealistic mood, "They don't deserve my vote. I think the voting age should be raised to 24. By then, we'll know the criminals from the rest."

Viji: "I'll decide after I see the candidates."

Usha: "I'll vote for whomsoever my village elders like."

Suganthi: "I'll let you know a day before the election."

Charmakani: "I am not going to vote."

Dhanam: "Let me see the candidate first."

"I don't like any of them; I'll vote for the least evil one," said Sadanand.

Bama: "I'll vote for Jayalalitha, though I hate all politicians."

Asuvathu: "I haven't decided whether I should vote."

Durai: "I'll vote for Dhanushkodi Adithyan, the TMC candidate -- because he knows how to make money."

Murugen: "I like Dhanushkodi Adithyan."

Ganesan: "I am going to canvas for Dhanushkodi Adithyan. I hear he is spending Rs 1 million on his campaign. I must get some of that. Vote? I'll vote for Ramarajan."

Saba: "I am going to vote for the AIADMK because I like the BJP."

Ashok: "Everybody likes the AIADMK -- I'll vote for them."

Prasad: "My vote is for Ramarajan -- the AIADMK candidate-- we all like him."

Ranjan: "I am a BJP family man."

They haven't become cynical yet but, whatever else they do, I hope they will never imitate the politician they finally vote for.

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