MH-FIRST TIME-VOTERS

Mumbai's first-time voters seek to make "indelible" mark
    Mumbai, Apr 29 (PTI) A large number of first-time
voters came out to cast their ballots 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
franchise in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time.
    Enthusiasm was palpable among first-time electors, who
openly expressed their views about candidates in the fray and
whom they voted for.
    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. The opposition party is contesting the lowest
number of seats ever.
    "I felt there is no harm is giving the BJP-led NDA
another chance," he said.
    Tendulkar came across as an informed citizen, who is
well aware of issues facing the country.
    The teenager said he disapproves of many things that
have happened during the five years like mob lynching.
Similarly, Tendulkar doesn't agree with government critics
being dubbed as "anti-nationals".
    "You can counter criticism with facts. Less number of
jobs are being created in the country but due to some
government schemes like Mudra (under which loans are given to
micro and small enterprises), people have become employment
givers," he said.
    Tendulkar praised the Modi government for taking a
tough stand on cross-border terrorism.
    Since it is a majority government, it could retaliate
against terror, he said, apparently referring to surgical
strikes.
    "This has given strength to the armed forces," the
teenager said.
    Samruddhi Purav (19), who cast her vote for the first
time in suburban Borivali under the Mumbai North Lok Sabha
seat, said NOTA (None of the Above) option was discussed much
in her friend circle.
    "I read and watch all news and discuss them with my
family members and friends. But I make my own decision. I
voted for a young leadership.
    "Everyone deserves a chance. I made my decision after
hearing all speeches given by Raj Thackeray (the MNS chief who
has been urging people to vote against BJP-Shiv Sena
candidates)," she said.
    Purav 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 said.
    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. There was also nervousness that I
will be choosing the next government," she said.
    "More than party, I chose a good candidate who worked
in the constituency...who had time to hear out people and
their grievances.
    "I recently attended a meeting of sitting MP Gajanan
Kirtikar (of the Shiv Sena) and heard him speak about his
work. I came home and discussed with my father to check
whether he was speaking the truth," Khadpe said.
    She said she was impressed with the work done by
government under Modi's leadership and felt giving him a
second term will do the country good.
    Kimaya Nadkarni (21), who cast her vote in Chembur,
which is part of the South Central parliamentary constituency,
said, said she cast her ballot after taking into account
several factors.
    "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 and have voted
accordingly. My decision was based on my own thoughts and
observations," Nadkarni said.
    Of the total 8,73,29,910 voters in the state,
1,19,95,027 are in the 18-19 age group, as per the EC data.
    Six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai are among the
17 seats in the state which voted in the fourth and final
phase of polling Monday.
    Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest
in the country, where polling was held in four phases on April
11, 18, 23 and 29. PTI MR
RSY RSY