First-time voters step out to be part of the change they want to see

Mehakdeep Grewal
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 10
Sensing responsibility on their shoulders, many first-time voters flocked in large numbers to polling booths across the city to exercise their franchise for the Lok Sabha elections here today.

A wave of excitement was seen among the youth, many of whom said they were out to bring a change in the country’s political system.

“I missed my classes and college in Sonepat yesterday to reach the city a day before the polling to vote for a change. The youth today are more aware of their rights and want the country to develop,” said Sanyam Mittal, a first-time voter.

Emotions running high and a sense of achievement reflecting on their faces, a group of three friends, Jyoti, Vandhana and Madhu, said in unison, “We are proud voters of the country. We are not the ones who can be fooled with false promises and freebies. Though we are first-time voters, we did not feel nervous while casting our vote.”

Trying to step out of their families' influence, many young voters said, “We are not voting for the same candidate as our parents are since our expectations from the leaders are different from those of our family members. We are not loyalists of any party, but 'change makers' who want visionary leaders.”

Thrilled after casting his vote for the first time, Rishab Sachdeva said, “I voted for my city’s betterment and for a corrupt-free government that can ensure a bright and safe future for the youth.”

Feeling more connected with the democratic set-up of the country, another first-time voter, Anshuman Mohit Chaturvedi, said, “Participating in the formation of the next government in itself is a moment of pride for all citizens. I must admit I was a little nervous before casting my vote, but after getting the ink mark on my index finger, I felt I completed my duty as a responsible citizen.”

Young voters Hindveer Sodhi, Wazid Khan and Monica said, “We are not the ones who sit at home and whine about the political system; we are the ones who step out and shape the system by exercising our franchise.”

Ridhi Gupta, Sukriti Sharma and Pooja Rawat said, “Finally, we are contributing to the progress graph of our country. Immediately after voting, we shared our experiences on social networking sites and asked our friends to move out and be part of the change they want to see both at national and city levels.”

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