My first vote: What drives Mumbai's young voters?

The city's youth is concerned with employment rates, rising prices, crimes against women; this is how they made their first governmental choice

By: Himadri Sharma, Mexy Xavier

Published: May 2, 2019

Gargi Mishra (20), a BA in economics student at Jai Hind College, was intimidated by the voting regi

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Gargi Mishra (20), a BA in economics student at Jai Hind College, was intimidated by the voting registration process and paperwork required. However, she was proud to have cast her vote and thinks it essential. She wants a government who will meet their promises, and not just “fight against Pakistan and call it nationalism”.

Nageshwar Yadav (18), a BSc (IT) student at Dandekar College, Palghar, is a first-time voter concern

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Nageshwar Yadav (18), a BSc (IT) student at Dandekar College, Palghar, is a first-time voter concerned about the employment rate.

Zaakal Shah (20), a financial marketing student at KC College, is a BJP supporter. In her opinion, a

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Zaakal Shah (20), a financial marketing student at KC College, is a BJP supporter. In her opinion, a government should stay for 10 years in order for development to happen. She wants the flagship schemes to continue if the BJP is elected again.

Nihaal Rohra (18), a Jai Hind College student, expects the upcoming government to think about the de

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Nihaal Rohra (18), a Jai Hind College student, expects the upcoming government to think about the development of the nation, not themselves. “They should focus on women empowerment and increasing rape cases , the GDP, economy and the rising petrol prices,” he says.

Nand Lal Yadav (19), a BSc (IT) student at Dandekar College, Palghar, expects the incoming governmen

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Nand Lal Yadav (19), a BSc (IT) student at Dandekar College, Palghar, expects the incoming government to improve transport infrastructure, work on providing jobs to youngsters and keep India secure from external attacks.

Uday Darwadkar (19), a physics student at Mithibai College, is satisfied with the current government

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Uday Darwadkar (19), a physics student at Mithibai College, is satisfied with the current government because “no big scams have come to light yet and no major politician has been jailed”. He believes that another term for the BJP will allow a better judgement of the party. As a student who will soon join the workforce, he is concerned about the employment rate.

Hitika Gadia (19), a student at Jai Hind College, does not know what to expect from the upcoming gov

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Hitika Gadia (19), a student at Jai Hind College, does not know what to expect from the upcoming government yet. However, she voted for the excitement of first-time voting.

Nilesh Bhalachandra Rokde (21), is a Bachelor of Management Studies student at Shree Narayan Guru Co

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Nilesh Bhalachandra Rokde (21), is a Bachelor of Management Studies student at Shree Narayan Guru College of Commerce; his mother works as a housemaid, and is a single parent. Thus, he is concerned about scholarships for students. He appreciates certain strong NDA policies, but wants the government to focus more on women empowerment and crimes against women.

Shruti Mehta (19), a BA student at Jai Hind College, initially planned to vote NOTA, but a day befor

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Shruti Mehta (19), a BA student at Jai Hind College, initially planned to vote NOTA, but a day before the elections, she watched the film Uri, which turned her stand. She supports the BJP now, but believes that people should do their bit too. She believes that campaigns like Digital India and Swachh Bharat mission would not entirely work without people pitching in.