What Lko will vote for today

LUCKNOW: This year election for Lucknow’s mayor, reserved for women, is in itself the beginning of a change. Some may vote for development, some for reduction of air pollution, while others may vote for a city without filth and garbage.

Young women voters are upbeat over the fact that they will vote for a woman.

HT spoke to cross section of voters as to what they are voting for. Here are the excerpts:

“I will vote for a candidate who promises to check the increasing crime, not only against women, but against people in general. Also, I am rooting for a candidate who strives to curb the rising pollution in the city,” said Fariah Zaidi (19), a student.

Her friend Anupama Shukla (18) said: “This time I will vote for someone who can work for cleanliness of the city as one can see garbage littered on roadsides and stray cattle all around. Residents have decided now to elect a candidate who can assure to rid them of the filth menace.”

Entrepreneur Kiron Chopra said this time with mayoral seat reserved for women, a lot of votes may go to the candidate and not the party, though how two ideologically different parties will co-exist should there be a candidate elected from a party other than the ruling dispensation, is something time will tell.

“This, however, is not a new situation but the push and pull between the civic authorities and state agencies is a bane for the common citizen. What comes across strongly though, and is heartening, is that most of women candidates are capable and determined for a change. I hope municipal reforms finally happen,” Chopra said.

Madhu Banerjee of Gomti Nagar said the mayor is a decorative post with little powers in the general belief. Therefore, voting for either the mayor or the corporator is a futile exercise.

Piyush Raj Verma of Care About People Foundation, said: “Sunday is yet another day where Lucknow will come out to exercise its democratic right to elect local government. Lucknow will vote for development, where basic amenities reach the citizens. Lucknow will also vote for an accountable system,” he said.

Aadarsh Mishra, a research associate, said poor facilities in water supply, filth and garbage continue to thrive thereby causing several diseases. It is time for voters to hold their representatives’ work into account.

If you want to make a difference, vote on Sunday, is the advice from these Lucknowites.