Teens make ‘indelible’ mark

Mumbai: A large number of first-time voters came out to cast their votes on Monday in Mumbai, marking their formal participation in choosing the next government in the world’s largest democracy. According to the Election Commission (EC) data, Maharashtra has over 1.19 crore voters who fall in the age group of 18-19 years and are eligible to exercise their votes for the first time.

First-time voters such as Arjun and Sarah Tendulkar, Anvi Tawde (daughter of education minister Vinod Tawde) were also seen at the polling booth. On the other hand many youngsters had to return back as their name was missing from the voting list.

While casting their votes youths have considered various aspects of politics in their mind. Youths like Ninad Tendulkar (18), who cast his vote in Dindoshi, which falls under the Mumbai North-West parliamentary constituency, said he had voted keeping in mind issues like good governance and development. “The Congress-led opposition is not strong and convincing. I felt there is no harm in giving the BJP-led NDA another chance,” he said.

Some youth were of the opinion of NOTA. They were thinking that in present situation no candidate is capable to do civic work. Samruddhi Purav (19), who cast her vote for the first time in suburban Borivali under the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, said, “I read and watch all news and discussed them with my family members and friends. But I make my own decision. I voted for a young leadership. Everyo-ne deserves a chance. I ma-de my decision after hearing all speeches given by Raj Thackeray,” she said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign was ‘irritating and overbearing’. It is like forcing you to vote for him. If you have work to show, then you don’t need over the top campaigning. Those who work less, campaign hard,” she added.

Divya Khadpe (18), who voted in suburban Goregaon under the Mumbai North-West seat, said she was excited to cast her vote for the first time. “I felt like a responsible citizen who is taking part in the democratic process. I was equally nervous as I will be participating in choosing the next government,” she said.

Kimaya Nadkarni (21), who cast her vote in Chembur, which is part of the South Central parliamentary constituency, said, “As a first-time voter, I have voted for the candidate who is most active in my area, interacts with colony people, understands their problems and carried out many development projects in the past. So I felt he deserves my vote. My decision was based on my own thoughts and observations”.

Many young voters were disappointed as their name was missing from the voters list. Suraj Kamble, who was seen at Vibgyor School, Goregaon west said that his name was showing on the Election Commission website but it was missing from the list provided to the officer present in the voting room. He also said there were four other youths who went back for the same reason.

Anvi Tawde daughter of Vinod Tawade said, “I feel excited as it was my first time and it’s just gives you a good feeling.”