Video Editor: Vikram Venkateswaran
Cameraperson: Romani Agarwal
Producer: Smitha TK
Every one is talking elections and poll promises as polling for Lok Sabha elections continues throughout the country. This time, the two main national parties, the BJP and the Congress, seem to be focussing on South India – a part of the country that is still dominated by regional parties.
In Kerala, the political game is quite interesting. Many people believe that the Sabarimala order and the chaos that broke out thereafter have been politicised and used as a talking point by the two parties.
Now, Rahul Gandhi is contesting from Wayanad in Kerala and many believe this is an attempt to reenergise the Grand Old Party in the south.
I wanted to find the pulse of the state. So I headed to a place where people tune in for entertainment and quick news updates – a radio station.
RJ Neenu and RJ Vishnu of 92.7 BIG FM spoke candidly about how a politically aware Kerala is today at a crucial point as national parties are trying to make a noticeable dent in the state with this Lok Sabha elections.
The radio jockeys said they have received many funny questions regarding the elections.
“There was this girl who called and said, 'Cheta! How can I vote? Is my Aadhar card or driving license okay? Can I go and vote?' There is a rule that when your name is there you can use all these IDs. So, I said, ‘Why not, yaar? So, your name is enrolled in the election list, no?’ ‘No Cheta, when I am 18 automatically my name should be there, na?’ She has not enrolled in the election list but she wants to vote,” RJ Vishnu said.
RJ Neenu’s friend asked her, “Why can't I vote for two persons? I like this person and that person, why can't I give two votes? My vote will go 50-50, no? It should add.”
They said that the two parties politicising the Sabarimala issue to establish their political strength has not been a very smart thing to do.
“The truth is, those people who are even participating in this fight, literally on the ground they have no clue what's happening. They don't see it beyond the basic first wall that you are being (made into) puppets. Which is the truth. Which is strange for a state like Kerala where people are politically aware and know what's happening,” said Vishnu.
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