This Project was done by Jiya K., Naitik M., and Riva D. under the guidance of the Idume Curator. They do not hold any political perspective as minors. However, they hold insights into research, survey, and content used in this project.
In a democratic society, the power to shape the future lies in the hands of its citizens. However, for those under the age of 18, like most of us at IDUME, the ability to directly influence the course of our nation through voting is not yet granted. As Universal, Adult suffrage is still 18. Nevertheless, recognizing the role that each vote plays in shaping the destiny of our country, we feel compelled to delve into the elections through this blog.
Elections are not merely about casting ballots; they represent a profound opportunity for every eligible citizen to contribute to the collective decision-making process, thereby sculpting the trajectory of our nation. As the 2024 elections loom large on the horizon, we are driven by a fervent desire to emphasize the significance of exercising one's voting rights.
Throughout this blog, we aim to unravel the intricate importance of voting, delving into the multifaceted perspectives and motivations that underpin the electoral process. From exploring the nuanced considerations that inform individuals' choices of candidates to examining the performance of Politicians and candidates, we endeavor to shed light on the essence of democracy in action.
Yet, despite the paramount importance of voting, a troubling trend of voter apathy exists, particularly evident in constituencies like Porbandar, where a mere 46.51% of eligible voters participated in this election. This brings us to the question: why do so many citizens abstain from exercising their fundamental right to vote?
As this election draws near, we face the stark reality that a significant portion of eligible voters may opt to remain on the sidelines, treating Election Day as nothing more than their day routine or holiday. It is imperative that we collectively recognize the value of each vote, understanding its potential to catalyze transformative change and shape the future of our nation. As we the people of our nation determine our tomorrow.
At its core, voting is not merely a civic duty; it is a prime responsibility that demands thoughtful consideration and informed decision-making. By empowering ourselves with knowledge about the electoral process and conducting diligent research into the track records and commitments of political candidates, we can ensure that our votes are cast with purpose and conviction.
Before moving towards candidates of the 2024 election, we initiate scrutinizing the performance of our present member of Lok Sabha, Ramesh Dhaduk from the BJP Party.
Rameshbhai Lavjibhai Dhaduk is an Indian politician and a member of parliament to the 17th Lok-Sabha from Porbandar Constituency. We dwell our research on his performance as a Parliamentarian and also a Public Representative.
We had a virtual survey asking people about his work and also we went on asking people around us to know how happy people are... To consider his performance we chose different parameters like his attendance, the Number of Questions Asked in session, Participation in the Number of debates, and Presenting the Private Members Bill.
Ramesh Dhaduk's parliamentary attendance shows a mixed pattern across various sessions. In 2019, he attended two sessions, with his attendance ranging from 65% in the Winter Session to 76% in the Budget Session. Over the following years, his attendance remained inconsistent, with fluctuations observed in different sessions. Notably, in 2021, he achieved higher attendance rates, reaching 88% in both the Budget and Monsoon Sessions. However, his attendance dropped to 50% during the Winter Session that year. In 2023, Dhaduk's attendance improved significantly, with a notable 100% attendance record in the Special Session. However, there were instances of lower attendance, such as during the Winter Session of the same year, where his attendance was 64%. Overall, while Dhaduk's attendance rates demonstrate variability, they indicate active participation in parliamentary activities over the years.
Ramesh Dhaduk, as a parliamentarian, asked a total of 36 questions, notably lower than both the national and state averages of 210 and 206 questions, respectively. This substantial variance underscores a potential disparity in his level of parliamentary engagement compared to his counterparts. Among the questions he raised, transportation garnered the highest count with 8 inquiries, indicating a notable focus on this sector. Conversely, his limited attention to agricultural matters is evidenced by only 3 questions related to crops and other edibles. Additionally, his concern about water and flood issues is reflected in 5 questions dedicated to this topic. The remaining 20 questions primarily revolve around environmental and geographical issues, suggesting a particular emphasis on these areas of concern. Overall, while Dhaduk's questioning activity showcases a focused interest in specific domains, his overall questioning volume falls short of both national and state averages, suggesting potential areas for increased parliamentary involvement and representation.
Ramesh Dhaduk's participation in 7 debates falls short of both the national and state averages of 46.7 and 29.9 debates, respectively, indicating a relatively lower level of engagement in parliamentary discourse. In his first debate on 25th June 2019, he raised a Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, showcasing an initial foray into parliamentary discussion. His subsequent debates covered a range of topics, including a Special Mention where he proposed renaming the Porbandar Airport to Kasturba Gandhi Airport. Additionally, his involvement in discussions regarding roads, local vehicles, and matters under Rule 377 highlights his diverse interests. Notably, in his 6th Special Mention debate, he urged the government to announce a package for the widening, deepening, and fencing of rivers, indicating a concern for infrastructure development. However, it's worth noting that his speeches in Parliament often lacked clarity and were of shorter duration compared to other members, suggesting potential areas for improvement in communication and articulation.
Ramesh Dhaduk's lack of involvement in presenting Private Member's Bills, with a recorded number of 0, falls below both the national and state averages of 1.5 and 0.8, respectively. This suggests a limited contribution to legislative initiatives outside of the mainstream parliamentary agenda. While the absence of Private Member's Bills may not necessarily indicate a lack of engagement or effectiveness as an MP, it does raise questions about the extent of proactive legislative efforts undertaken by Ramesh Dhaduk in advocating for policy reforms beyond the purview of government-sponsored bills.
The assessment of Ramesh Dhaduk's performance as a Parliamentarian reflects a concerning trend, with a majority of constituents expressing dissatisfaction or lack of awareness regarding his contributions. According to our survey, a significant portion of young people, comprising 70%, were unaware of the details of his work in our constituency, indicating a notable gap in communication or outreach efforts. Furthermore, among those who were aware, 30% expressed discontent with his performance, highlighting areas of concern regarding the effectiveness or responsiveness to constituent needs. In contrast, only 20% of young people reported satisfaction with his work. This disparity underscores the need for improved engagement and transparency in representing the interests of all constituents, particularly the youth demographic.
Conversely, insights gathered from adult respondents present a more positive perspective, with approximately 75% expressing satisfaction with our present Member of Parliament. This suggests a differing perception among older constituents, who may have different priorities or perspectives on the effectiveness of parliamentary representation. Nevertheless, the significant proportion of constituents, accounting for 25%, who remain uninformed about his work indicates why he was not selected by his party again for the 2024 Elections.
How People Vote?
In our parliamentary democracy, the decision to vote for a particular candidate is influenced by many factors, each with its complexities. While voters cast their ballots for candidates representing their constituency, the alignment of individual candidate preferences with broader governmental leadership aspirations may not always be seamless. Conversely, voters may find themselves supporting a party's vision for governance, yet feel disconnected from the candidate representing that party in their constituency. Therefore it becomes the Political Party's obligation to find a candidate who would match leadership, aspirations, and work for the people.
Voters are confronted with a diverse array of pressing issues, ranging from poverty and unemployment to communal harmony and economic stability. However, the evaluation of progress on these fronts is often muddied by the proliferation of subjective interpretations and the dissemination of potentially misleading information, propagated by political parties through various channels. In this, the role of responsible media and the ethical conduct of political parties become paramount in mitigating ambiguity and empowering voters to make informed decisions.
At Idume, we have undertaken a concerted effort to engage with voters within our communities, delving into their perspectives on electoral choices and participating in spirited political debates across party lines. Through our endeavors, We will be sharing our insight on the same, and also, we will share our research on candidates from the Porbandar constituency as it is crucial to know the profiles of all the candidates from the constituency. What matters for Voters from Porbandar Constituency.
Through our extensive outreach efforts and conversations with members of our community, we gained valuable insights into the prevailing sentiments and perspectives surrounding the upcoming elections from families and supporters of some political ideology.
One supporter highlighted the perceived economic impact of the BJP's governance, citing a decrease in inflation rates since their ascent to power. However, this assertion was promptly contested by a Congress supporter, who argued that inflation had increased under the BJP's rule. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding communal tensions purportedly exacerbated by the BJP's policies, with one individual attributing the party's alleged favoritism towards certain corporations, such as Jio, to adverse effects on the economy and societal well-being.
Conversely, supporters of the BJP lauded the government's initiatives, particularly in healthcare, applauding the distribution of free vaccines as a testament to their commitment to public welfare. Moreover, discussions on education revealed contrasting views, with some critiquing the BJP's education policies for allegedly diminishing opportunities, while others defended the party's track record and cited data to support claims of economic stability and growth.
Within the confines of our homes, a diverse range of opinions emerged, with some expressing support for the BJP based on its perceived popularity and efficacy in governance, albeit without articulating specific reasons for their allegiance. Others, however, voiced reservations about the BJP's leadership and governance, opting instead to exercise their democratic right through the Nota option in the absence of a candidate they deemed worthy of their vote.
We surveyed the key factors influencing voters' decisions when choosing a candidate to support in the upcoming elections. Which, a significant majority, comprising 65% of respondents, emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who is native to their constituency. They expressed a strong preference for candidates with deep-rooted ties to the local community, believing that such individuals possess a nuanced understanding of local issues and are better equipped to address their public concerns effectively.
Interestingly, 30% of respondents articulated a distinct allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), irrespective of other factors. For this segment of voters, the primary motivation is to support the BJP candidate in the hopes of facilitating the return of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister. This sentiment reflects a deep-seated loyalty to the party and its leadership, transcending individual candidate characteristics or policy agendas.
A smaller but noteworthy segment, comprising 5% of respondents, indicated their preference for candidates currently holding ministerial positions. Which Indeed, gets votes to BJP.
Our discussions with voters revealed a notable gap in awareness regarding independent candidates contesting in the upcoming 2024 elections in Porbandar. While familiar with representatives from established parties like the BJP and INC, many were unaware of independent contenders. This underscores the need for greater visibility and engagement with independent candidates to ensure a more inclusive and diverse electoral process. Increased awareness can empower voters to make informed choices and enrich democratic representation.
Knowing basic profiles of Candidates from Porbandar Constituency.
Idume's Curiosity Club took the initiative to let everyone in our community know profiles about candidates in an unbiased way. In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a total of 12 candidates are vying for representation from the Porbandar constituency. Here's a brief overview of each candidate:
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (BJP): Age 51, assets worth 7 crore rupees, no criminal cases.
Jethava Bipinkumar Bhikhalal (Independent): Basic literacy, assets totaling 1 lakh rupees, no criminal cases.
Lakhansi Odedara (Viro Ke Vir Indian Party): Age 50, graduate education, assets worth 53 lakh rupees, two criminal cases.
Lalit Vasoya (INC): Age 62, 12th Pass education, assets worth 2 crore rupees, no criminal cases.
Mahemudbhai Saiyad (Independent): Age 43, 10th Pass education, assets totaling 13 lakh rupees, no criminal cases.
N. P. Rathod (BSP): Age 70, Graduate Professional education, assets worth 23 lakh rupees, no criminal cases.
Nathabhai Bhurabhai Odedra (Independent): 8th Pass education, assets exceeding 8 crore rupees, one criminal case.
Rathod Chandubhai Mohanbhai (Independent): Age 56, fifth-grade education, assets of Rs 1,10,000.
Shekhava Nileshkumar Ramjibhai (SP): 8th pass, aged 56 with assets of 48 Lakhs and zero criminal cases.
Sidhhapara Harsukhlal Jivanbhai (Log Party): Age 56, eighth-grade education, assets worth Rs 48,00,378.
Sodha Hushenbhai Alibhai (Independent): Age 50, fifth-grade education, assets valued at Rs 71,60,000.
Solanki Jatin Dhirubhai (Independent): Age 27, 12th-grade education, assets amounting to Rs 1,00,000. We took this project, our aim to contribute to the vitality of our democracy. While we may not yet possess the right to vote, our commitment to reflecting on the welfare of our fellow citizens and the democratic process remains steadfast. Our youth must recognize the significance of their vote, casting it only after careful consideration of a candidate's past contributions to our nation. By holding our elected representatives accountable and monitoring their performance, we empower them to fulfill their public duties with diligence and integrity. We advocate for maximum participation in the electoral process, as the disappointingly low voter turnout in past elections has left us disheartened. In particular, we urge our youth to exercise their right to vote, as they represent the future of our nation. With 65% of our population comprising young individuals, their engagement in the electoral process is crucial for shaping the trajectory of our country's development.
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