First-timers vote for jobs, growth, better education
For the 20.2 lakh first-time voters in Rajasthan, Friday was a special day as it provided them an opportunity to contribute to the election of a government. While they were enthused to cast their first vote in the assembly elections, everyone had a reason to use their franchise.
“We want a government that focuses on and looks after youngsters,” said Khushbu (18), while waiting for her turn in a queue at a polling booth in the city.
Ishaan Verma (21), a Law student in Jodhpur who cast his vote at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Jaipur’s Gandhinagar, said, “I voted for development and protecting the secular nature of the Constitution.”
Neha Khangarot (20), who was waiting for half-an-hour in a queue at a polling booth at Mahahrani Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Bani Park, said, “It is my moral responsibility to vote. I want my voice to be heard in electing the government. Waiting for long is a negligible price to pay.”
Andleeb Khan (21), who came with friends and relatives to cast his vote, said, “There should be good education and more scholarships. At present, the government working is laidback and what we want is one that works
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swiftly.” Sumbul (20), who accompanied Khan, said she wanted modern facilities at schools, better sanitation and job opportunities.
For Rakshita Mathur (21), the push was of posting selfie. “I am aware that casting vote is essential, though not know how much my vote would count. What I am really excited about is posting my selfie with polling ink on the index finger,” she said.
Harsh Nair (22), a resident of Civil Lines assembly constituency who is pursuing chartered accountant’s course, said, “It was a great experience as my vote will be part of building nation.”
Yasmin Khan (18), a Class 12 student who was accompanied by her father, said, “It’s the candidate’s image that matters. Everyone in my family would cast votes and I was the only one left out, so am excited (to cast vote).”
A group of students at Rajasthan University planned to visit the polling booth together to cast votes and reached the booth at 8 am. “Before coming to vote, I saw certain videos of how does the VVPAT and EVM machine work. Since I am voting for the first time, I decided to know the procedure before I vote,”said Hemraj Gurjar (19), one of the group members pursuing Bachelor of Arts.
Shreshtha Sharma (22), who was standing in a queue outside Maharani Government girls’ Senior Secondary school in Bani Park, said, “My vote is my right. Many of my friends wanted to sit back at home, but I motivated them to come out and vote.”
Suhani Mathur (21) said, “I was waiting for the day for long and came from Delhi to cast vote. It’s development for what I am voting for.”