As polling for the fifth phase of 2019 Lok Sabha elections were conducted in the Capital City on Monday, a number of voters exercised their ‘right to vote’ for the first time. These are the youth, enthusiastic and concerned as they are willing to make their opinion heard. They also expressed their expectations from the government such as employment opportunities, better roads, and policies hoping to create a difference through their vote.
Shubhangi Agarwal, an MBA student of XISS Ranchi said, “I was not able to cast my vote during the last general elections as I was working outside but this time I have a chance and I want to make responsible use of it. Voting process is incredibly important as every single vote counts and the leader we choose today will be responsible for the betterment of our lives and the future of the city in the upcoming years.”
Addressing the bad condition of the roads, Agarwal also said that she expects the upcoming leader to encourage and implement construction of the roads and better management of the traffic.
Ankit Basia, an MBA graduate said, “I voted in favour of a government that is corruption free and would not only listen to the problems of the people but also work seriously towards eliminating them. Unemployment is a major issue among the youth. There is shortage of employment opportunities and I want the new government to generate more income opportunities.”
These first time voters also put light to the subject of the ease and the efficient management of the polling process. “The polling did not take much time as the queue was not very long. Being a first time voter, the administration was also very helpful in guiding me,” said Priya Poddar, ICICI Bank, Deputy Manager.
Stressing on pollution as a major issue for her, Poddar also added, “The environment is at risk due to increasing levels of pollution. Air pollution and land pollution has become a chief concern for the city and requires immediate action. I hope that my vote would help in bringing such a government in power that would take the necessary steps in protecting the environment”.
Priyanka, an M.com student expressed her concerns as well and said, “Caste politics has become an evident aspect of the system. The city needs a leader that would function independently and free of biases. I would vote for a leader who will stand true to his words rather than making fake promises”.
“A lot of people fail to realize their duty and the power they have. As a proud citizen, I am happy that I finally had the chance to vote and fulfill my duty as a responsible citizen” said Dhiraj Poddar, Axis bank, Assistant manager.
He also added, “Despite the fact that some promises and resolutions were not fulfilled in the last five years, however, one cannot disagree that the country has seen positive changes and development. I hope that I voted for a government that would introduce innovative and better policies that would contribute to uplift the country”.