Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Apr 26: Despite the scorching heatwave, the Lok Sabha elections that were held on Friday, April 26, in Dakshina Kannada district, witnessed a significant turnout as people lined up in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

Speaking with daijiworld.com, first-time voters and senior citizens shared their experiences of voting and their expectations from the candidates.

Anirikshitha, who cast her first vote at Golthamajilu Grama Panchayat office, expressed, "This is my maiden voting experience, and it feels empowering. I hope the upcoming government prioritises the construction of new roads and provides ample scholarships for deserving students."

Tejaswini, another first-time voter at Government School, Mani, emphasised the importance of affordable education, saying, "Education should be accessible to all at nominal costs. Some families face issues with their ration cards, and the government should extend financial aid to them."

Lavaneesh, also a first-time voter at Government School, Mani, stressed the need for national development and an upgraded education system. "The country needs overall development, particularly in education. The government should focus on skill-based education," he remarked.

Draupadi, an 86-year-old voter present at Government School, Mani, remarked, "Despite the summer heat, I came to the booth with my family. Both political parties have performed well so far, and we haven't faced any water scarcity issues."

Yakshitha K A, another first-time voter at Government School, Mani, urged the government to implement projects benefiting the people and provide financial aid for students' education. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of creating local job opportunities for youths.

Shahzin Hussain, who cast his first vote at Government School, Mani, echoed the sentiment of focusing on district development and ensuring quality education accessibility across regions.

Saroja, a 63-year-old voter at Sudhana PU College, emphasised the need for government support for the elderly and expressed her desire for a party that prioritises public welfare.

Vaishnavi Pai, a first-time voter at Sudhana PU College, called for educational reforms and employment sector improvements.

Regarding concerns about Naxal activities in Sullia taluk, a recent incident raised alarms as Naxalites allegedly threatened villagers to boycott voting. However, an RPSF officer at Kumbaru, Sullia, assured, "To address Naxal activities, the RPSF has been deployed, with approximately 4 commandos stationed at 13 centers."

At Government School, Bilinale Kaibamba, 75% of voters had cast their ballots by 4 pm, comprising 381 men and 389 women.

At Gopala Krishna High School, separate sakhi voting booths, managed by women, were set up alongside general voting booths.

By 6 pm, 71.83% of the population of Dakshina Kannada had exercised their voting rights.