The Lok Sabha elections in Dakshina Kannada have seen a surge of interest among first-time voters, with nearly 36,000 young electors recorded as of March 15.
Shreyashree R, a BSW student and NSS volunteer, expressed her excitement about casting her vote for the first time, emphasizing the importance of each vote in shaping the nation. She stated, “It is my fundamental right to vote and elect the best leader, who can serve and make our nation better. Every vote and every ‘a’ matters. Hence, everyone should vote for the nation.”
Similarly, Sannidhi, a student from Kulkunda in Subrahmanya, shared her joy at being a first-time voter and contributing to the nation’s development. She voted for the security of the nation and expressed pride in exercising her voting rights.
Amritha VK, a media and communications student, highlighted the importance of voting for a cause rather than being swayed by empty promises. She emphasized that every vote holds significance and can bring about change.
Brides Prioritize Voting Before Wedding Celebrations
Despite concerns from political parties about the potential impact of weddings and housewarming ceremonies scheduled for April 26, coinciding with the first phase of polling in Karnataka, many brides in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi-Chikmagaluru Lok Sabha constituencies chose to prioritize voting.
Adorned in vibrant bridal attire, several brides, accompanied by their families, made a detour to the polling booths before proceeding with their wedding rituals and celebrations. Their proud procession to the voting booths caught the curiosity of other voters in the queue.
Vinutha from Veerakamba village in Bantwal, Rashmitha from Mangaluru, Sowmya from Bandaru, and twins Navyashree and Nandashree from Ballakka, all made voting their first stop before continuing with their wedding festivities.
Similarly, Ashwini cast her vote in Kundapur before heading to her wedding reception, while Spoorthy Acharya was spotted at a polling station in Yadabettu before her wedding.
Even Ranjan Shetty prioritized voting in Ajekar, Karkala Taluk, before proceeding to his wedding in Padubidri. Additionally, Muduri and Nagraj Kuchala from 76 Haladi in Udupi district exercised their franchise after their marriage.
