As elections approach, one can see posters and banners of politicians placed all over the city. Things are no different this time but the faces that adorn the hoardings have changed with many new young politicians-to-be joining the race. The next generation of politicians in the city is now making a desperate attempt to make a mark. They either head the youth wing of the respective parties they belong to or participate in various social activities, of course with the patronage of their parents and relatives.

Most of the youngsters said they were motivated by their families to give back to the society what they had gained in so many years. They thought it necessary to join politics to serve the society. "If the new generation is given a chance, it will only help us improve in our work," said Vaibhav Naik, late Sena leader Tukaram Naik's son. He is working for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) now, as his uncle Ganesh Naik is. Vaibhav was supported by Sagar Naik, Ganesh Naik's other nephew who says he also wants to work for the youth of the city. Sagar maintains it's too early to talk about elections, and for now, he is happy to play a supportive role for the seniors in the family.

Pritam Mhatre from Peasants and Workers party (PWP) is another new face on the block. His father J M Mhatre stands tall as a leader of PWP. Pritam said he would like to work for the benefit of the residents of Panvel and nearby areas just like his father did. As does Kaustubh More, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) student's wing of Navi Mumbai, who says that new generation politicians will work for the younger lot as they understand their problems better. "We will help solve problems faced by youngsters," assures More.

Former Shiv Sena leader's son, he was supported by Kamlesh Rane from the Youth Congress whose father Chandu Rane is an active member of Congress for quite some time now. Kamlesh said that educated people should join politics. "Their background should not matter. Only then will the political situation change. Only saying that politics is bad will not help," he said. Chandu Rane, on his part, said it is good news that the next generation is joining politics. "They are coming up at all levels, be it the Central government or the rural areas. A lot of changes are going on. These youngsters should come up on their own and not depend on the past laurels of their parents."

Dashrath Bhagat's nephew Nishant Bhagat is a fresh face on the Congress banners. "I will help solve the problems faced by students and the youth in the city. Given a chance, I will surely contest the elections."

Making a case for youngsters, veteran corporator Sabu Daniel says that youngsters have a vision and they work for the betterment of the society. "I want them to love all and work actively for the society. It is important that they give time to needy people and work at grass root level." Never mind their lineage, the fate of these young aspirants will eventually be decided by the common man.

Chandu Rane, Congress
“Youngsters should come up on their own and not depend on the past laurels of their parents.”

Sabu Daniel, NCP
“It is important that new generation give time to needy people and work at grass root level.”

Sagar Naik, NCP
“I am very happy to play a supportive role for the seniors in the family to work for the people of city.”

Nishant Bhagat, Congress
“Given a chance, I will help solve the problems faced by students and the youth in the city.

Kartiki Shastry/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication