| Covering elections is a challenging business, especially
since India seems to have so many of them. If politicians worry about voter fatigue, we
have to keep in mind reader fatigue. Writing about the same people is never easy; it
requires us to be inventive, to find fresher stories and unusual angles. Ever since this election was announced we have devoted 134 pages to various
political parties and leaders. It is a coverage that we believe has been both credible and
exhaustive. At the same time, we have opted for a mix of stories: personal profiles of key
players, a focus on women leaders, and opinion polls. This week we bring you something
different as well.
Every nation's hopes rest with its youth. So India Today
commissioned ORG-MARG to conduct a unique poll among 3,208 respondents between the age of
18 and 21, most of them first-time voters. Representing about 56
million voters, roughly 8 per cent of the electorate, their views offer a glimpse into
India's future. The most striking finding is their conservatism towards dress and
marriage. For the rest, take a look inside.
In addition, this week Assistant Editor Ashok Malik and
Deputy Chief Photographer Pramod Pushkarna travelled to Amethi and Rae Bareli. These
constituencies may be considered the Gandhi family's pocket borough, but its rivals seem
formidably confident as well. "In a region where everybody's favourite pastime is
discussing politics," says Malik, "people are salivating."
You might also have noticed that since last week we have
been running a "Your Forecast" Election Contest. And to assist readers we have
also included psephological information in these issues. It's not an easy contest. But
then you don't win a Nexia car for nothing, do you?
(Aroon Purie) |
