First-time voters were excited to be part of the democratic process and appeared keen to ensure some development or change of government for the better.
Overjoyed to have cast her vote, Pooja Nayak, an engineering student, proudly displayed the indelible ink mark to her younger brother who was waiting for her. She said “there was no confusion” as she had visited the polling booths earlier with her parents. “I am happy to have made a choice. I have voted for the party vouching for development,” she said.
At the same booth, Kripa said she voted for change of government and for development, though she admitted she did not know what the new government might do for the country. Deeksha, a B.Com student from Urwa, said she wanted a better government for the country.
No NOTAThe first-time voters were categorical in saying that they did not want to press NOTA option. At University College, Shreya Goswami, she said, “My friends helped me understand politics here. I wanted my first vote to be accounted for, hence I chose a party and not the NOTA (none of the above).” Sanjana Kini, another Engineering Student, said she, too, chose a party and NOTA button was not an option for her.
Vishali Pal, an engineering student, said there was confusion initially in choosing the candidate. “But I did make the decision. I am happy to be part of it. It’s really exciting,” she said. Ms. Pal had with her parents to Government Higher Primary School in Mannagudde — one of the two model polling booths in Mangalore. Ms. Goswami cast her vote with excitement writ large on her face. “I have never exercised franchise as I have stayed abroad. This is first time I have voted,” she said with pride. She was accompanied by her classmate Abhishek Ravindra, also a first-time voter.
Our Special Correspondent from Udupi reports:
First-time voters participated enthusiastically in the polling for the parliamentary election in Udupi district on Thursday. While some thought that voting was an important right that everyone should exercise, others thought it was also a vital responsibility and a duty.
Deepika Shetty (18), a second year B.Com student of G. Shankar Government Women’s College, who cast her vote at Government Higher Primary School booth at Banampalli village, said, “It is our responsibility to choose a government for our country,” she said.
Sudhir Suvarna (19), a student of Government First Grade College, Hiriyadka, who cast his vote at Government High School booth at Padigar (West) village, said: “I am extremely happy to vote for the first time. This right also helps in deciding the direction of development of the country,” he said.
Reshma (19), a student of Alva’s College, Moodabidri, cast her vote at Government Higher Primary School booth in the Maoist-affected village of Shedimane in Kundapur taluk. “Even though I was preparing for my examinations, I thought that it is important to cast my vote as it will also play a role in deciding the future of the country. Even if I lost some time for voting, I can catch up with it later on,” she said.
For Swathi (18), a student of G. Shankar Government Women’s College, Udupi, who cast her vote at the Government Higher Primary School booth at Gundmi village, voting was an important responsibility. “By voting, we play an important role in choosing the Prime Minister of the country,” she said.
