First-time voters in Western T.N. nd polling process smooth

M. Vishnu Varshini, a 20year-old BSc student from Kottur near Pollachi, who voted for the rst time, said she was happy to have exercised her right. “Election ocials explained me the process. It was a smooth experience,” said Ms. Varshini.

First-time voters in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts turned out in signicant numbers between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Devadharini from Dharmapuri said, “I’m eager to full my duty as a citizen.”

In Dharmapuri district alone, a total of 32,500 rst-time voters are expected to vote.

In Tiruppur Lok Sabha constituency, a signicant number of voters, aged between 18 and 23, said they listened to the speeches of political leaders, studied the election manifestos of parties, and participated in discussions about candidates in their areas. Harish in Tiruppur said students responded positively to the e“orts of educational institutions and awareness campaigns about voting and its importance. Anushree (19), who cast her vote at a booth in the Tiruppur North constituency, said, “I am happy to vote along with my father and grandmother. I am excited about the whole process.”

P. Ranjith Kumar, who cast his vote at the Government

Tribal Residential School in Bargur, Erode district, said, “Unemployment needs to be handled in a better way, and employment should be given based on education, especially for tribal communities. Considering these factors, I cast my rst vote today, and I am looking forward to a better future,” the 21-year-old said.

(With inputs from Anwesha Dash, Pooja Mahabadi and T.C. Sibi Sreevathson)

S. SIVA SARAVANAN Anushree, a first-time voter with her father and grandmother at Corporation Higher Secondary School at Padhmapathipuram in Tiruppur city on Friday.