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Gen Z Voters Poised to Shape Assam's Electoral Landscape in 2024

Assam Jatiya Parishad candidate Kunki Chowdhury believes Gen Z voters will be a decisive force in the upcoming assembly elections, citing their large numbers and desire for change. The Election Commission data shows over 72 lakh youth voters, a significant increase from 2021. While the BJP highlights job schemes and claims youth support, many young voters express concerns over employment, education, and infrastructure. The election for 126 seats will be held in a single phase on April 9.

Key Points: Gen Z as Decisive Force in Assam Assembly Elections

  • 72.83 lakh youth voters in Assam
  • Focus on jobs and education
  • AJP candidate highlights Gen Z influence
  • BJP confident of youth support
  • Elections on April 9
3 min read

Gen Z will become decisive force in Assam Assembly elections: AJP candidate Kunki Chowdhury

Assam Jatiya Parishad candidate Kunki Chowdhury highlights youth voter influence. Over 72 lakh young voters could decide the state's future.

"I think they (Gen Z) will become a decisive force in this election. - Kunki Chowdhury"

Guwahati, March 27

Assam Jatiya Parishad candidate Kunki Chowdhury on Friday underlined the growing influence of young voters ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, stating, "I think they will become a decisive force in this election."

Chowdhury, 27, who is contesting from the Guwahati Central constituency, said she has received an encouraging response since the start of her campaign. "There are lots of expectations from me. I started my campaign a day before yesterday and have seen a good response from the people, they trust me, and they want change. I am very happy to see the feedback. I think they (Gen Z) will become a decisive force in this election because of their majority of the voters. I feel that in the coming generation, they are the people who are going to change our state and make it better. They will play a very important part," she said.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Assam has 72.83 lakh youth voters aged between 18 and 29, including 6.28 lakh in the 18-19 age group and 66.55 lakh in the 20-29 bracket. This marks a rise from 69.35 lakh youth voters recorded in the 2021 elections.

While the BJP-led state government has highlighted initiatives such as the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes and claimed to have provided 1.65 lakh government jobs, several young voters continue to raise concerns over employment opportunities and quality education.

Chowdhury said her campaign is focused on five key issues, including improving drainage and garbage disposal systems, establishing skill development centres, addressing parking challenges, and resolving pipeline-related concerns in the constituency.

Students and young voters echoed mixed views. Diana Das noted that welfare schemes have been beneficial but stressed the need for faster implementation and job creation. M Biswas criticised the culture of "freebies," urging the government to focus on improving college infrastructure and reducing fees. Raktim Kamal Bharadwaj questioned the lack of emphasis on work culture and demanded better academic facilities, while Ananya Das called for reduced prices of essential books.

Ankita Chetry said that while the government has performed well in some areas, election-time freebies could impact economic sustainability.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Vijay Gupta expressed confidence in youth support for his party, asserting that Gen Z voters align with the BJP's policies and ideology. "Those forces (Gen Z) are with us because of the BJP and its policy, culture of the BJP. The youths know very well which party is for the nation, for the people, for karyakartas," Vijay Gupta said.

Reacting on one Gen Z candidate contesting against him in the Guwahati Central seat, Vijay Gupta said that there are no challenges for him in this election.

Voting for the 126 assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied in Assam, I agree with the students quoted. The focus should be on improving college infrastructure and making education affordable. Freebies before elections are a short-term lure. We need sustainable policies that build a skilled workforce for the future.
R
Rohit P
Both candidates are making claims about youth support. The numbers from ECI are clear - youth voters are a massive force now. But will they actually come out and vote? That's the real question. Many of my friends are still undecided or feel disconnected from politics.
P
Priya S
Good to see a woman candidate in the fray! Her focus on local issues like garbage disposal and parking is practical. Guwahati needs these basic civic improvements desperately. Hope she brings a fresh perspective and isn't just another face in the crowd.
V
Vikram M
The BJP candidate sounds overconfident. Saying there are "no challenges" is disrespectful to the democratic process and the other candidate. Youth want to be heard, not taken for granted. The job claims need scrutiny - are they permanent, quality jobs or temporary posts?
K
Karthik V
Ultimately, it's about who delivers. Schemes like Nijut Moina are good, but implementation is key. As a young professional, I care about opportunities here in Assam so I don't have to move to Bangalore or Delhi. Hope this election brings change that we can actually feel on the ground.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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