Maharashtra elections: For teens, voting day marks real coming-of-age party

MUMBAI: First-time voters, many of whom are in the 18-19 years age group, and the rest in the 20-29 bracket, are excited a lot. Poll day for them carries with it the significance of an official welcome-of-sorts into adulthood, with a ritualistic mark to boot: the inked finger. And parties better beware: The votes of optimistic first-timers, more than that of their cynical elders, come especially with strings attached—deliver on your promise or else… Statewide, voters under 30 number about two crore, or 20% of the electorate.

Some of them had a tough time registering themselves on the rolls, and thus especially want their issues to be addressed. “I read the other day how Japan constructed a permanent road and took care of a massive landslide within days,” said Link Road, Bandra, resident Sagar Joshi, who rides a scooter to work through bumpy city roads. “I feel we can learn from other countries.”

Prabhadevi resident Aanya Gupta is irked by VIP treatment provided to some. “It bothers me,” she said, averring that her vote would be for a candidate who has promised to improve amenities for all.

Law student Mihir Kakade would vote for the environment. “I would like a government that maintains greenery and stops the rampant cutting of trees.”

There are also those who feel for typically-political issues. “I want my candidate to tackle unemployment,” said computer science student Rohit Mitra. “That is the biggest issue facing India today.”