Young voters keep spirits high, urge others to take plunge, vote

HYDERABAD: In a remarkable display of enthusiasm, dozens of first-time voters flocked to polling booths on voting day across various constituencies in the city. With eight lakh new voters registered during this election season, the young voters cast their votes in hope of a better future.
Early in the day, at Sindhi Colony in Sanathnagar constituency, the poll booth saw a heartening sight as young voters eagerly lined up even before voting commenced.
Two friends, Rishika Kandukuri and Pari Mukkawar, both 20, came together. "This is our first time voting and we had decided that we will be casting our votes before everyone else in the morning, together. We are encouraging our friends to cast their votes," said Rishika, brimming with pride.
Similarly, R Joshika, 21, who cast her vote at a polling booth in Devrakonda Basti in Khairatabad constituency said, "As a child, accompanying my mother to the polling booth was a cherished memory. Today is no different, with my freshly-inked finger, I will proudly announce my participation in democratic process."
Yogesh S, 23, who cast his vote at Padmarao Nagar, Secunderabad, said he has been keenly following election updates, parties, candidates and campaigns. "Since morning, I've been present at the polling site, despite having cast my vote. I am voluntarily assisting officials and voters to ensure a smooth voting process, I have also encouraged over 10 of my friends to vote," Yogesh added.
N Keerthana, 21, from Venkat Ramanna colony, said that since her childhood she has seen people coming in huge numbers to cast their votes as she stays right across the polling booth. From watching people voting as a kid to being able to vote herself as an adult has been a journey that made her realise the imperative role of youth in the electoral process, she said.
What was heart warming to see were two voters, both orphans, who cast their votes at a polling booth at Addagutta in the Secunderabad assembly constituency. "With the encouragement of my principal, I registered my vote and got EPIC. I feel happy that I voted for the first time," said Saraswathi, who is pursuing under-graduation in microbiology. Similarly, K Sunitha who was accompanied by Saraswathi (both stay in a hostel) said, "I was so excited after my finger got inked. I waited almost 20 minutes in the line and voted."
(with inputs from Sunil Mungara)