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India's national elections enter crucial phase
印度全國選舉進入關鍵時期
India has begun the third phase of polling in its national general elections. It’s the biggest phase so far, with 91 seats up for grabs in key areas, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Kerala, with voters divided on issues such as development, inflation and corruption.
Long queues, people from across the spectrum and a hope for change. As India’s capital New Delhi went to polls people came out in large numbers to caste their ballot. Out of 91 seats that went to poll on Thursday, Delhi has 7 seats but going by history the mood in Indian capital has been indicative of the national mood. Even as congress president Sonia Gandhi and other big leaders came out to vote. Going by opinion polls, the ruling congress party is on its way out.
"People are voting for development and people are voting for the good work we have done collectively." Congress General Secretary Ajay Maken said.
The congress party found itself in many high profile corruption scandals and that is what makes the main opposition party BJP or Bhartiya Janta Party confident. It’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is hoping to reach New Delhi soon by winning the national elections, but the anti-corruption - Aam admi party is expected to play a spoiler.
"These 2014 elections will be the defining moment in Indian electoral history. I am telling you these elections will be the game changer in Indian democracy." Aam Admi Party Candidate Ashutosh said.
"This time, not just Delhi, but all of India will see the stable government that it needs, and that government will be formed by the BJP." BJP candidate Meenakshi Lekhi said.
Right at the heart of Delhi lies Chandni Chowk or old delhi constituency. Traditionally a congress party stronghold, this time round the people are looking for a different recipe.People in this area are still voting for basic issues like water and electricity.
What stands out across the length and breadth of India is the number of young voters. India saw a massive 100 million new voters added to it’s list this year, all expecting change.
Chetan Bhardwaj is a first time voter, he says he is voting for a better future. A fall in growth, lack of jobs and high prices have put pressure on a young population with aspirations.
"In today’s India there is corruption everywhere. As a first time voter I want the government to be basically fair enough to stand on my vote." First time voter Chetan Bhardwaj said.
In 2009 elections the ruling congress party won all 7 seats in Delhi. This time round it won’t be easy with a confident Bhartiya janta Party and newly formed Aam Admi Party, but for every party which has its eyes on the Indian parliament, the race starts from Delhi.
