Dewesh Bhatt is a 19-year-old student who is completing his class 12 from Sunbeam School in Varanasi's Sigra area. This first-time voter thinks Uttar Pradesh has a long way to go before it catches up with other developed states.
"Take these elections for example," he says. "The Election Commission has taken so many steps to ensure the polls are fair and incident-free. But what have the political parties done? Gone ahead and fielded criminals and corrupt candidates in almost all the phases, especially the sixth and seventh phases."
About Mulayam Singh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party government, the lesser said the better, feels Devesh.
"There has been no development," he says. "Criminal elements have taken over the state. Worst of all, the power situation has worsened. Can you imagine, round the year, we face power cuts that easily last 12 hours everyday?"
What does he have to say about Amitabh Bachchan's endorsement for Uttar Pradesh? Dewesh and his friends get agitated at the mere mention of the superstar’s name.
"Who is Amitabh Bachchan," he asks, animatedly gesturing with his hands. "What has his contribution been to the nation, or for that matter, to Uttar Pradesh? You say he is a national icon. But he is neither a national icon, nor a true Indian."
So, who will get Dewesh’s first ever vote?
"The BJP," he declares. "As far as I can see, Atalji (former prime minister Vajpayee) is the only true leader. I don't think highly of the party, but Atalji is the only leader who is worth my vote."
What about Rahul Gandhi? "Just one young leader in politics, that too from the ruling family, does not make a difference. So, the Congress can give up the pretext of promoting youth," feels Devesh.
"I frankly think Rahul Gandhi the leader is so-so. He is very average," is Dewesh's verdict.
Photographs: N V Reuben
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