Delhi's first time voters want clean leadership, good governance

They are barely out of their teens and still exploring their career choices, but a majority of Delhi's first time voters are sure about one thing - their burning desire to vote for a government that could work for their betterment and improve their lives.

Issues like women safety in the wake of the Dec 16 gang-rape, clean leadership and effective governance influenced the over 4 lakh first-time voters in Delhi.

"This time I want change Delhi. I want clean and accountable leadership," 23-year-old Sahir Seth, a resident of south Delhi's Jangpura, told IANS.

Agreed 19-year-old Ankita Mehra, who asserted that she wants a safe Delhi for working girls like herself.

"Being a girl the most important issue for me is security of women," said the resident of Mayur Vihar, east Delhi.

Agreed 21-year-old Lovleen Sharma, who too felt that the city was unsafe for women.

"Many of my friends are concerned about safety and security. It is scary to go out in the night. We want a safe environment to work and grow as an individual," Sharma, who lives in Malviya Nagar, said. She got her voting card recently.

Sharma said with the entry of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) the political scene has become more interesting.

'It is perhaps for the first time that Delhi will see a triangular contest. It is an interesting development. And for young people like us, we now have a wider choice," Sharma told IANS.

Her friend Simran Kaur said she wanted a government that could work for the youth.

"Youth should be the focus for any government. We are the future. I want a government that improves our lives and gives us more opportunities," Kaur,19, added.

But some wanted to give Congress a chance again for the fourth time.

"I trust Congress to continue with its developmental work. Look how the city has transformed in the last ten years," said Kahkashan Noor, 21 a resident of Shaheen Bagh in east Delhi.

They may differ on their choice for political leadership, but what joined them together was the ecstatic feeling of voting for the first time and having the power to elect a government brought the youngsters together.

"Giving vote for the first time gave me a sense of pride and the whole experience was very memorable," said 18-year-old Titiksha Jain, a resident of Rajouri Garden in west Delhi.

Agreed 22-year-old Antarik Anwesan, who was "waiting for the opportunity (to vote) since childhood."

"Going to the polling booth, standing in the queue, getting the mark on my finger and finally pressing that button on the voting machine, I loved it.

Having exercised my right, I can proudly proclaim to be a 'citizen' of a democracy," said Anwesan, a resident of Vasant Kunj in south Delhi.

(Rahul Vaishnavi can be contacted at rahul.v@ians.in)