2014 Lok Sabha: What's on voters' minds?

Indian citizens are gearing up to cast their votes in the coming elections. Political parties have already started wooing people with various promises. In the meantime media houses, poll analysts and psephologists are coming up with their own surveys, based on which political parties and leaders offer freebies.

In the midst of all this many are wondering what could be going on in the minds of people, before casting their vote for a particular candidate. India being a country of diversified groups, regions, religions, people, languages, it is quite a task to gauge their priorities. Many factors influence people's decision and people depending on their location, situation weigh local, regional, national issues before selecting a candidate.

Many, however, feel there are common issues which affect people no matter where they reside. Some of them include:

Corruption

There is lot of talk on corruption. In every election, analysts rate it as the most important issue. However, many corrupt politicians get elected all the time. A small section of educated lot and urban voters give importance to this issue. The stunning performance of Aam Aadmi Party in recent elections in Delhi is an eye opener for all. In the coming days, more and more people may make it the most important issue. But at present in rural areas corruption is a non issue as they look for leaders who can at least provide them basic amenities like food, water, shelter at affordable rates. In the present scenario a new scam is unearthed day in and day out. It will be interesting to see how decisive this factor will be in the coming elections.

Price Rise

Price rise and inflation are the most important issues plaguing the country. The middle class is hugely affected by it. Many are waiting to show the power of their vote on this issue. Petrol and diesel prices have increased twice or thrice every month. Citing this, prices of essential commodities too shoot up astronomically. Daily wage labourers are most affected.

National Issues

National issues like attacks in various states, Naxalism, violence may not be given importance by voters. Continuous accidents in submarines in Indian Navy or acquiring of lands by corporates etc will not be given much importance by voters.

Local Issues

This will play an important role in the coming elections. Since people can see development clearly they rate a candidate and party's performance accordingly. Electricity problems, transportation, roads, water supply etc will be monitored closely by the people.

People will consider some of these factors before making their decision on selection of candidate and party to vote for. Preferences of people change depending on their financial status, profession they are involved in, religious affiliations, peer group, influences from family, relatives and neighbours etc.

As the above issues play vital role in the defeat or victory of candidates, parties try to deviate the attention of people, by playing the regional and sentiment cards - touching upon irrelevant, sensitive and emotional issues. While some people may get influenced by these acts of political parties, generally a large section of people stay away from them.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation.