CHENNAI: Sabhiha from R K Nagar waited nervously in a long queue to cast her vote. She expressed that her vote is aimed at boosting women's empowerment. Meanwhile, Vasanth and his friends from Royapuram arrived dressed in white shirts and khaki trousers, emulating their favorite hero and TVK leader, Vijay.
First-time voters across the city and suburbs experienced an eventful Thursday as they finally had the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. Some were eager to take part in electing leaders, while others, like Indu, emphasized the need for candidates who promise safety for women.
“When I travel at night for work, I encounter many drunkards and stalkers on the road. Law and order must be strengthened, and strict action should be taken,” Indu said after voting at St Antony’s Girls Higher Secondary School in the Mylapore constituency. She added, “We need a change. I believe the new government will perform better for the welfare of the people.”
Bhavya, another young voter at Jaigopal Garodia School in Kolathur, expressed her desire to participate in selecting the state’s leader. “Each and every vote counts,” she remarked.
Sugirthan, a 19-year-old from MGR Nagar, shared that he was initially nervous and failed to vote on his first attempt. “But I voted successfully on my second attempt. I expected stringent document scrutiny, but the process went smoothly,” he said.
For V Bhuuven, an intern at a private medical college, the election was about ushering in change. He found satisfaction in being part of the electoral process.
Joshua Devanesan, who cast his vote at Fathima Nursery and Primary School in Mylapore, noted, “There will be strong competition this time with Vijay’s entry into politics. However, people must vote based on parties’ manifestos and promises. That is how I am casting my vote.”
