Says the colonel, "I would vote for a party, that has the potential of providing a strong central government devoted to the betterment of the nation. Any assortment of smaller parties cobbling together to form a majority is bound to come under multiple pressures from diverse groups that could often lead to compromises for the larger interest of the nation. In the current scenario [with the Bharatiya Janata Party in power] one has seen many situations where the Centre tends to easily get dominated by the states."

"I am looking for a party that will sincerely address maladies like the criminalisation of politics and corruption, that has already nibbled deep into the system." He wonders why none of the parties have cared to include these two vital issues in their manifestoes.

His wife Andaleeb is more concerned with the secular credentials of the party she votes for. "Instinctively, India is a secular country and it is therefore important that religious fundamentalism of any kind is shunned and communal forces are kept at bay," she stresses. She looks for a party that can address local issues. "At the state level, I would vote for a party that can ensure civic amenities like good roads, drinking water, availability of power and above all ensure safety of the citizens by curbing lawlessness and improving law and order."

"I am lucky to be here at this time of voting," says Shemaila. "But after living in the US, I can see the difference in attitudes in the two countries towards building their respective democracies. Even though India has registered reasonable economic growth and has seen considerable development over the years, isn't it strange that when it comes to voting considerations of caste, creed or religion become the over-riding factors, while the real issues take the backseat? It is just the reverse case in the US."

Umar, who will be voting for the first time in a Lok Sabha election, has serious concerns about what the political contenders have in store by way of generating employment, which is increasingly becoming the biggest challenge for India's youth.

The Ahmeds spoke to Sharat Pradhan

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How We Will Vote

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