U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is on a three week official trip to the country, visited the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and participated in the official bell ringing ceremony in the presence of Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, BSE. The welcome address was given by Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Public Interest Director, BSE, which was followed by an address made to the audience by Congresswoman Gabbard.

Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Public Interest Director, BSE welcomed Congresswoman Gabbard to BSE. “Congresswoman Gabbard’s presence in the 140 year old institution, which is also Asia’s first stock exchange and one of India’s leading exchange groups, is momentous as it bolsters investor confidence across India and the U.S.” Mr. Rao is retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer of the 1973 batch and has been held several coveted posts in the State of Karnataka and the Union Government in the past.

Speaking during the ceremony, Congresswoman Gabbard said, “I am really honored to participate in ringing the bell (ceremony). I think my presence here today represents a symbol of renewed relationship between India and the United States and the incredible potential and opportunity that exists for further cooperation, and collaboration to bring about true progress and positive change in the many areas of shared interest between our two countries.”

Congresswoman Gabbard, who is on a congressional break, has met the Prime Minister and several other Ministers including Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parikkar and Foreign Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj during her visit. Her objective is to promote trade and tourism between India and U.S. She has also met several business leaders and explored potential areas of engagement between her state of Hawaii and India. Congresswoman Gabbard has so far visited New Delhi, Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai during this release.

Congresswoman Gabbard harbours a deep interest in promotion of trade between India and the U.S. She believes that the relations between the two nations are strong and growing, owing to the Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the US and the imminent visit of the US President Barack Obama to India next month.  The Congresswoman strongly supports the counter terrorism efforts and military cooperation between the US and India. Congresswoman Gabbard also expressed that besides trade, there should be a focus on promoting tourism between the two countries as well. The state of Hawaii is highly regarded for its scenic beauty and welcomes the residents of India to explore more of America, and especially Hawaii. Congresswoman Gabbard is also the member of House Committee of Foreign Affairs and a Representative of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

Elections, be it at the ward level, or national, define the course of a community’s growth. The upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections Telangana 2020, has emerged as an opportunity for young leaders to take charge and drive a positive change for the community and the area.

Shri Gangadhar Reddy, BJP Contestant, Gachibowli Division, GHMC Elections (left), and Shri Bikshapathi Yadav Ji, ex-MLA, with Shri Reddy (right)

One  such leader, Shri. Gangadhar Reddy, is contesting from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Gachibowli (105) division. Shri Gangadhar Reddy lived all his life in the Nallagandla region – where he saw the region transform from a small cluster of impoverished villages in the  outskirts of Hyderabad – to a thriving residential hub for professionals from around the nation.

Shri Gangadhar Reddy has been active in politics for over 15 years now. Mentored by the likes of Gachibowli’s iconic leaders, Shri Bikshapathi Yadav Ji, and Shri Ravi Kumar Yadav Ji, he has been serving the community in his personal capacity – standing up for anyone who needed a helping hand.

Commenting on why he decided to contest in these elections, Shri Gangadhar Reddy stated, “I have lived all my life here and got first-hand experience of the problems our people face. For the last 15 years, I operated in my personal capacity, helping anyone and everyone – but the  impact, I believe, will be much larger if the same social initiatives were implemented via formal government channels.”

Most candidates have a little idea of the community’s challenges, and hence talk about solving problems that don’t even exist. Shri Gangadhar Reddy, on the other hand, personally knows the nook and  corner of every slum, street, locality, gated community, colony and  so on. Being an active part of the community, he understands key issues and the obstacles in solving them.

Talking about his inspiration, Shri Gangadhar Reddy added, “I am a true believer in Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s ideals and initiatives. What his predecessors could just talk about – he actually implemented on the ground. Like him, I view serving the people as an accomplishment only a few can achieve.”

During lockdown, Shri Gangadhar Reddy spearheaded food arrangements for over 80,000 people near Tellapur circle. He also provided essential supplies to daily wage earners at construction sites in areas other than Gachibowli as well. At nights, he would go around in his car, feeding stray dogs, who too were hungry, but were largely ignored by people stuck in their homes.

The inspiration behind all this, Shri Gangadhar Reddy spoke, “Since childhood, my parents and mentors made me stand for people during times of natural calamities. What started out as some initiatives towards helping  the poor, has grown into a way of life for me.” He further added, “Whether elected or not, I stay accessible, 24X7X365 days a year, to all my citizens of the Gachibowli division, ready to fight for their cause.”

• Party President Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy releases the election manifesto of IMMK

• IMMK’s Unique project ‘Pasu-My Puratchi’ to deliver 500 ml – 1 litre of free milk for the family cardholders daily

The India Makkal Munnetra Katchi (IMMK) has stirred quite an expectation in the upcoming 2021 State Assembly Elections. The IMMK party unveiled its ‘Robot’ symbol and released the election manifesto in the event held in Chennai recently.
 

Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy, Party President, IMMK released the election manifesto in the press meet, Chennai on 9^th March. The first copy was received by Ms. Yamunasri, Viluppuram Dt Secretary, IMMK
 

Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy, Party President, IMMK introduced the ‘Robot’ symbol which was specially designed using the ‘Augmented Reality’ technology. This Robot said that it will be involved in garnering votes in support of its party which took everyone by surprise. A demonstration was also shown by the Robot as ‘how will it meet the voters?’

The Party President Dr. Ra. Arujunmurthy, released the election manifesto for the 2021 State Assembly election with the primary goal, “A Change in Tamil Nadu with an inclusive growth for everyone”. Through the unique project ‘Pasu-My Puratchi’, IMMK’s progressive special plan to deliver 500 ml to 1 litre of free milk for the family cardholders daily, to lease half an acre of Government Squatter Land to a farmer on terms of merit, free distribution of 4 country ethnic cows and distribution of free housing are notable features.

It is mentioned in the manifesto that various notable schemes will be implemented for the progress of Tamil Nadu, if the party comes to power, such as, in each district, an extent of 50-acres sports complex as per international standard, free transportation for working women, aid/scholarship for senior citizens, a special plan for families living below the monthly income of Rs. 20,000/-, e-Market Card for students, the cancellation of fees for vehicle parking in the Hindu temple during deity darshan, and also the fees collected for safeguarding footwear.

To know more about the election manifesto, watch the Party President Dr. Ra. Arujunmurthy’s speech: twitter.com/raarjunamurthy?s=11.

The administrators of the India Makkal Munnetra Katchi and many participated in this event.

BJP’s leader Parminder Singh Brar has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to observe the martyrdom day of the Chhotte Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji as ‘Veer Bal Diwas‘ and thanked the Prime Minister for this announcement.

Veer Bal Diwas

In a statement issued here today, Brar said that the Prime Minister has announced that every year on 26th December, Veer Bal Diwas will be observed in the name of Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He said that for a long time there was a demand from the country and abroad from the Sikh community that the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas should be celebrated as ‘Bal Diwas‘.

He said that the story of the martyrdom of Chhotte Sahibzade and Mata Gujri ji is very important and every child of the country should know about. He said that there is no such example in the world where children of 7 and 9 years old did not care about coercion and oppression, did not leave their religion and opted for martyrdom. He said that every year lakhs of devotees gather in the Shaheedi Jod Mela held at Fatehgarh Sahib to have a glimpse of the wall, foundation of which Sahibzadas were martyred.

Brar said that after 75 years of the country’s independence, Modi ji is the only Prime minister who felt the need to recognise the sacrifice of those Sahibzade, and why it is important to remember them, and read about them.

He thanked the Prime Minister for his gesture and added that for a long time Sikh community has been demanding the same, which has finally been fulfilled. He said that the saga of Sahibzadas will now reach our children because of this decision and will bring our countrymen together to commemorate and pay tribute to the supreme martyrdom of Chhotte Sahibzade.

He also lauded the Prime Minister for all his decisions with respect to the Sikh community, which included reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, which connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the border with India, justice for 1984 riot victims and reopening of cases for a probe by SIT, release of postage stamp to commemorate 550th parkash utsav, observing the 400th parkash utsav of Guru Tegh Bahadur by organising several events, securing safe exit of over 457 Sikhs in Afghanistan, among several other decisions in support of the Sikh community.  

Launched just over last year, Prajatantra, a vanguard organization committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy, has unveiled a pioneering study that delves into the intricate web of privilege, gatekeepers, and the pathways to political power in India. This comprehensive research, spanning three diverse states – Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab – highlights the often-opaque barriers that obstruct the entry of grassroots candidates and independent voices into the hallowed halls of governance. 

Ritwick Shrivastav, Founder & CEO of Prajatantra

Prajatantra, a non-profit and non-partisan organization established to encourage, educate, and empower governance-centric Indians to contest elections, has conducted this groundbreaking study to comprehensively understand the extent of gatekeeping in Indian politics, the various methods employed by Elected Representatives to enter the political arena, the relationship between family and financial backgrounds, and the age at which individuals embark on their political careers, among other pertinent aspects. With a steadfast commitment to empowering ordinary citizens, Prajatantra’s research aims to unravel the complexities that often impede the participation of ordinary citizens in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

“The findings underscore the urgency of dismantling the gatekeepers that prevent deserving candidates from entering the political arena,” observes Ritwick Shrivastav, Founder & CEO of Prajatantra. “If we can incubate and provide a platform for grassroots leaders, there is a higher chance of bringing about real change in our governance system.”

Privilege and Gatekeepers
According to the study, 91.7% of MLA seats are occupied by gatekeepers (dynasts, criminals, or wealthy individuals). Among privileges, Money holds a significant influence (82.5%), followed by criminal backgrounds (48.7%) and dynast (20.2%). Women’s representation mirrors similar trends, with 47% from dynastic backgrounds. Alarmingly, Non-privileged/ grassroot politicians get 5 years disadvantage compared to privileged/grassroots politicians.

Method of Political Entry
Avenues for political entry primarily comprise Local politics (29.4%), Party organizational politics (26.4%), and family legacy (20.2%), constituting over 70% of entry paths. Meanwhile, only 4.3% of the people enter politics through student politics, which is further highly gatekept (over 85%) by criminals and wealthy politicians. Local and party organizational politics offer comparatively lower gatekeeping (39%) but demand substantial time (4-6 years) for state-level ascension.

First-Time MLAs
First-time MLAs largely emerge from privileged backgrounds (85%), with only 5.7% overcoming all entry barriers on their first attempt. Party organizational politics was the most favored among first-time elected representatives at 39.2%, followed by local politics at 21.7% and family legacy at 20%. Student politics and social service were 5.3% and 3.3%, respectively. Over the years, entering politics has become more challenging as the age of entry for first-time elected representatives increased by 2 years, with people entering politics at 46 instead of 44.

Demographics of Political Entry
Demographically, the study reveals that 32.5% lack a college degree, while 30.7% hold graduate degrees, favoring arts (46.5%), law (17.8%), and engineering (10.9%) qualifications. Moreover, the educational degree does not affect elected representatives’ chances of entering politics. A person with a Graduation degree and no degree enters politics at the same age of 44. Professionals, especially from business backgrounds (38%) and doctors (7%), are increasingly venturing into politics.

Details of the study and data are available at prajatantra.org.

Prajatantra’s study highlights the need for reforms and interventions to level the playing field where the organization’s mission comes into force. They drive this through a 3E approach: Encourage – celebrating self-made politicians and inspiring Indians to join electoral politics; Educate – educating aspirants about electoral processes, entry methods, and political strategies; Empower – providing aspirants with necessary tools, teams, and ecosystems to help them contest elections successfully.

In an unprecedented look into the minds of India’s first-time voters, a recent survey by MyResearch, a public opinion firm led by Ranabir Sen, a market research veteran, sheds light on the sentiments and behaviors of these young citizens as they navigate their inaugural participation in the democratic process. Conducted across the Top 6 metros in India, this survey highlights a vibrant, hopeful, and highly engaged segment of the electorate.
 

A Demographic Snapshot The survey included a balanced representation of genders, with 48% female and 52% male respondents. Equally split between those still in education or not working (50.5%) and those employed either full or part-time (49.5%), these young voters bring diverse perspectives to the polling booths.
 

Election Day: A Tapestry of Emotions Election Day stirred a mix of emotions among first-time voters:

• Pride: The predominant feeling, with 22% of respondents expressing pride in participating in the country’s governance.

• Hope: 18% felt optimistic that the election results would bring about positive changes.

• Ritualistic/Ceremonial Feelings: 20% viewed the day as a significant traditional event.

• Anxiety: 9% experienced nervousness about the outcomes and their implications.

• Doubt: 8% harbored doubts about the fairness or impact of the election.
   

Engagement in the Campaign Process First-time voters demonstrated a keen interest in the election process, marked by high levels of media consumption and participation:

• Media Engagement:

• 80% watched campaign commercials.

• 65% sought information through social media.

• 56% watched candidates’ speeches.

• 48% viewed candidates’ interviews.

• Direct Participation:

• 28% attended rallies or yatras.

• 30% created or pasted campaign posters.
   

Despite their enthusiasm for staying informed, fewer engaged in direct campaign activities, suggesting constraints such as time or opportunity might limit their involvement.
 

Belief in the Power of Elections The survey reveals a robust belief in the efficacy of elections among first-time voters:

• 81% believe elections matter and can lead to significant changes.

• 65% are confident that their vote can significantly influence the future direction of the country.
   

Perception of Government Responsiveness The majority of first-time voters feel valued by the government, yet a notable minority remains skeptical:

• 75% believe the government cares about their opinions.

• 24% feel that the government does not care about what people like them think.
   

Reactions to Potential Election Outcomes First-time voters display a mature approach to the election results:

• 34% would feel disappointed if their chosen candidate lost, but an equal percentage would remain calm and accept the outcome.

• Very few express extreme reactions, such as anger or depression, indicating a general readiness to respect the democratic process.
   

A Hopeful Yet Cautious Electorate Overall, the sentiments of first-time voters in India’s 2024 elections paint a picture of an engaged, hopeful, and responsible young electorate. While pride and optimism are the dominant emotions, the presence of anxiety and doubt highlights areas for improvement in the electoral process. Ensuring greater transparency and responsiveness from government institutions could further strengthen the faith and participation of these young voters in the democratic process.
 

Conclusion First-time voters are not just passive participants but active contributors to the democratic process, eager to make their voices heard and influence the future. By addressing their concerns and fostering a more inclusive environment, electoral and governmental institutions can harness the full potential of these young citizens, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic democracy.
 

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