CHENNAI: Sabhiha from R K Nagar waited nervously to vote in the long queue. She says her vote is to boost women’s empowerment. Vasanth and his friends from Royapuram turned up in white shirts and khaki trousers, just like his favourite hero and TVK leader, Vijay.First-time voters like them in the city and suburbs had an eventful Thursday as they finally got a chance to cast their votes.Some wanted to take part in the democratic process of electing leaders; others, like Indu, said they wanted to vote for those who promise safety for women. “When I travel at night for work, I find many drunkards and stalkers on the road. Law and order needs to be strengthened and strict action must be taken,” she said.Indu cast her vote at St Antony’s Girls Higher Secondary School in Mylapore constituency. “We need a change. I believe the new govt will perform better for the welfare of the people,” she said.Bhavya, another youngster who voted at Jaigopal Garodia School in Kolathur, said she wanted to take part in the process to select the state’s leader. “Each and every vote counts,” she says.Sugirthan, a 19-year-old from MGR Nagar, said he was not able to vote in his first attempt. “I was nervous. But, I voted successfully in my second attempt. I was expecting stringent scrutiny of documents. But it went smoothly,” he added.For V Bhuuven, an intern at a private medical college, the election was all about ushering in change. He said being part of the process was satisfying.Joshua Devanesan, who cast his vote at Fathima Nursery and Primary School in Mylapore, said, “There will be a strong competition this time with the entry of Vijay into politics. But people must vote based on the parties’ manifestos and promises. That is how I am casting my vote.”
