The democratic fever experienced during the lok Sabha election a couple of months ago among the denizens of the State capital is somewhat found missing for the Mayoral election scheduled for Monday.
Reason behind this is not observing back-to-back election but substantial and worrying gaps between voters information. Majority of the first time and young voters who had shown high level of interest and awareness in the recently held parliamentary elections are having least amount of information and interest for the mayoral election.
Interestingly, sizeable number of young voters has not heard about the mayoral election in past.
Resident of Bariatu colony Pooja Khanna who is preparing for competitive examination and had exercised her franchise in the parliamentary election, on mayoral election sarcastically replied, “Frankly speaking, I have never heard about such election in the past. Yesterday, when my voter’s slip arrived at home I approached my brother to collect information about this election and its contesting candidate. During lok Sabha election media and candidates in fray through different publicity measures had evoked an interest for change even among those sections of the society for whom politics never remained their cup of tea but here the scenario is vise a versa. At present I have no idea whom to vote.”
Not only Pooja but there are many other young voters who share similar opinion. While, talking to The Pioneer it was revealed that most of them wanted information only about lok Sabha candidates and legislative candidates with very few taking interest in local body election and candidates endorsement.
“I am not aware about the candidates into fray and their agendas. After going through the notice regarding college being shut down for the mayoral election on Monday, I came to know about it. I have heard the campaign songs but never paid much attention to it. Voting is my right so I will definitely exercise my right on the polling day after consulting from my peer group,” said B.Com part I student of St Xavier’s College, Afreen Khan.
While, there is lack of enthusiasm and an apathy among young voters for the mayoral election, there businessmen class have made up their mind to seal their decision in favour of those candidate who will address the city perennial problems (drainage and sewerage system, pothole roads, traffic congestions etc) effectively.
“Proper drainage and sewerage plan for the city, adequate measure to address the traffic congestion issue and permanent solution to water crisis during summer these are some of our prominent demands from the upcoming mayor. I will lock my decision in favour of that candidate who will fulfill these demands,” said businessman Ashok Jain.
Besides, many elderly women and housewives are also all set to exercise their franchise in the mayoral election.
“City at this juncture requires the right kind of policy maker. Before drawing any conclusion it is essential for us to first exercise our constitutional right. My vote will be for that candidate who will bring change by action and not with words,” said housewife Tripti Kanutia.