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Their take on polls

With polls round the corner, DEEPA H RAMAKRISHNAN talks to some first-time voters

THE PRE-POLL MOOD First-time voters are waiting to have their say PHOTO: T. SINGARAVELOU

They have all crossed that magic age of 18 and are proud to possess something that makes them the decision-makers - voter ID. They are pondering over whom to select, elect and bring to power in Pondicherry.

"Though I haven't yet decided whom to vote for, I think every single vote makes a difference. I will definitely vote," says Maria, a student of Bharathidasan Government Women's College. Since this is the first time that she and her friends will cast their vote, they are watching the campaigning keenly. They are amazed to see candidates "pleading with people irrespective of their ages for votes". "They are ringing our door bells and asking for our votes. But later (after they come to power), how much ever we ring their bells, they will not answer," she says.

The students are making note of what each candidate promises and if they have served as an MLA earlier what have they done for their respective constituencies. "In my constituency, Orleanpet, I know who the candidates are and see them canvassing almost every day. But I am undecided on whether to vote or use the no vote option. I will take my father's advice on voting because he knows more about the political parties, candidates and the equations in the coalitions," says Harini @ Chanda B, who is doing her second year English literature.

A voter from the Reddiarpalayam constituency, Anita S., says that she will wait till the election day and decide whom to vote for. "I will think about who will be able to do something concrete for my constituency and also for Pondicherry as a whole." The students are looking at the larger picture — on what the candidates can do to better all constituencies in Pondicherry.

"They must do away with the pigs, stray dogs, mosquitoes, garbage and bad roads. Only the town is clean, the outskirts are dirty. No doubt there is development in certain areas such as tourism but there are other areas which needs immediate attention for instance, the health sector. The government hospitals and schools and colleges need better infrastructure," they chorus, and go on to reel out a long list of things to be done.

As for the boys who are doing their B Tech, they said that students' issues such as admissions through CENTAC and fee structure need to be addressed. B. Sidharth of Reddiarpalayam constituency says that he expects the next government to provide employment opportunities. "The last government did not do well on this front. But some of their initiatives are good such the free cycle and the breakfast schemes."

Mario Gabriel of Thattanchavady constituency stresses on fighting corruption. "I think it is a crime if a person does not exercise his right to franchise. It is the democratic right of every Indian citizen. I will definitely vote but I expect my candidate to help rid the society of the evil of corruption. Even to get a driving license we have to give a bribe, the law needs to be made more stringent in areas such as these".

Sudha, a fish cutter in the Goubert Bazaar, wants financial assistance for fish cutters like herself, who don't get any aid during the 45-day fishing ban. "I am unemployed during that time and have no other means of survival," she says. Muthu, who collects ticket fee from vendors in the Muthialpet Market and works part time for a political party, says that he will vote for the candidate who will do something for the unemployed youth. Though Manohar, who works in a watch shop, does not have a voter's ID card, he says he will definitely keep track of the election proceedings.

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