Lights, camera and a lot of action! Right now in India, it’s all about voting and elections and nothing else.

When the general elections occur in India, the world’s largest democracy,  it’s sort of a time where political drama, campaign promises and Bollywood stars all come together to be part of the most watched election in the world.
“People are coming out in droves to vote. Everywhere. All ages. Every religion. Every caste. People want to make a difference and they want to see change,” stated Mumbai based journalist Shalini P.
Every news station, every newspaper and every social media site are promoting candidates, their party affiliation and the campaign promises they have made. It’s non-stop coverage.
The show down is between the current ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has the current Prime Minister of India, the much-loved Narendra Modi as their leader  and the Congress Party which showcases Rahul Gandhi, the former Prime Minster of India Indira Gandhi’s grandson as their leader. The battle between the two individuals is the most highlighted and vital part of the country’s election.
Several Bollywood stars have also come out to seek reelection or first time seats. Bollywood Dream girl, Hema Malini, is seeking reelection at MP in Mathura, the city where many believe Lord Krishna was born, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India.

The 2019 Indian general election is currently being held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha (House of The People). The votes will be conducted on 23 May which also will be the same day the results are declared.

With over 900 million eligible people over the age of 18 voting, some for the very first time, it is the largest election the world will be closely watching to see if new faces win or familiar ones are reelected.
Millions of Millennials are expected to enter the voting arena for the first time and they are anxiously wanting change, in a country of over one billion people. One of their main concerns is the lack of jobs for educated young people.
“Everyone tells you what you want to hear when they are campaigning,” says 25-year-old Sanjay, an unemployed graphic artist from Mumbai. “But,the reality of it is,there needs to be a robust effort for jobs creation for the young and eager, especially in bigger cities where there are more resources and companies.”

TV shows, social media channels, iPhones Apps and youth oriented events are encouraging the young to go out and vote for the candidate that they believe will make India a better place to live.

“Everyone must vote. This is not to be taken lightly,” stated Bollywood star Priety Zinta telling India media. The stunning Bollywood star lives in LA but is an Indian citizen therefore can vote in the elections.
It’s not only the younger voters that are making a surprise surge at the voting booths this year, it’s the strong number of female voters that have come out speculating that they will be in the majority this voting season.
The dates on which voting will be held are May 6, 12 and 19th. The earlier voting ended on April, 11, 18, 23 & 29th.

India anxiously awaits!