City youngsters give big vote to Hillary and Trump because Modi is ex-President for them

Hillary Clinton remarked during the debate, “People around the world follow our presidential campaigns so closely, trying to get hints about what we will do.” This statement rang true in our city, where offices and colleges were buzzing with discussion on the policies of the leading candidates of the American presidential election. 

Mohammed Nizamuddin S, a senior pre-sales consultant, said IT professionals were keenly following the elections to gauge how the outcome would affect their industry. “More than excitement about our own elections, a large number of youngsters are keyed in to the US presidential elections. I think the agenda is easier to understand as each candidate has to answer specific questions on economy, progress and security. But in India, the political situation is a little more complex with religious politics and casteism coming into play. US is the only remaining superpower. And the question of who will run the country is important as it will affect the global economy. Being in the IT sector, we are keenly following the elections as the victory of a candidate who is against immigration and outsourcing of jobs will result in the industry taking a hit. So, the educated IT crowd, which doesn’t vote in our own elections, is closely following the US elections,” he said. 

Roshni K, a post-graduate student from MOP Vaishnav College, confessed that the glitzy media coverage got her hooked to the American elections. “ I have been missing out on what’s happening in our Indian politics, which affects us more. The way the American elections are projected makes it seem that it will affect the world,” said the youngster. 

The US Consulate screened the first presidential debate at Loyola College on September 27 followed by a discussion with the students on the candidates and their policies. Ariel H. Pollock, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai, said, “I think it is great that young people are interested in US elections. I also think that it is important though that people understand how their own system of government works so they are able to take part and make informed, educated decisions. I love it that they are watching this and that it excites them about their own political process in their own country.” 

Commodore RS Vasan, Director, Center for Asia Studies, said the interest in American presidential elections may lead to more youngsters becoming interested in Indian politics. “This is a youth which is realising its own potential and understanding nation building. By the time the next prime ministerial elections are underway, youngsters will be clamouring for more such debates from candidates. They will want to the candidates to sit across the table and discuss important issues that will affect the country,” concluded this expert.