First-timers turn up in large numbers to 'get counted'

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Feb 07 2015 | 7:25 PM IST
Brimming with pride and expectations, first time voters today thronged the polling booths to exercise their franchise in Delhi, which has seen parties going all out to woo the youths during campaigning.
Teenagers and college students turned up at polling booths across Delhi, mostly accompanied by friends and family members to cast their vote.
"I just wanted to vote. It's my first time and I want my vote to be counted and I am outspoken that I voted for Kiran Bedi as she is honest and a doer," said Rahul Jain, a IInd year student who got inked at Krishna Nagar.
A 19-year-old studying in Patiala returned to the capital late last night to cast his franchise asserting that everyone should respect their right to vote.
"It important to vote as as every ballot makes a difference," said Harsh Verma.
Many favoured AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal saying the youth have lot of expectations with the 46-year-old leader.
"I want AAP to come to power. The 49 days that Kejriwal was in power, things really changed. From electricity and water, to petrol, all prices had come down," said Gaurav (20), a IInd-year student who cast his vote in New Delhi constituency.
18-year-old Narendra Singh Rawat said voting gave him a sense of empowerment.
"I want my vote to make an impact. I was looking forward to this day. It makes you feel empowered. We want a corruption free Delhi," said the Raja Bazar resident.
Newbie voters have several social issues which they hope will be addressed by the winner.
"The government should look at all three stratas of society. There is a need of an all inclusive government. I'm voting for the first time and I really want a government based on the principles of equality," said Radhika, 18, who voted from Model Town.
There were also some who were swayed by the "charm" of leaders or voted in line with "family tradition".
"My family always voted for BJP and I've come here to do the same for the very first time," said Amit, a IInd-yr B.Com student.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 07 2015 | 7:25 PM IST

Next Story