Despite facing a scorching heatwave, the Lok Sabha elections held on Friday, April 26, in Dakshina Kannada district witnessed a significant turnout, with people lining up in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Speaking with daijiworld.com, both first-time voters and senior citizens shared their experiences of voting and their expectations from the candidates.
First-Time Voters Voice Their Expectations
Anirikshitha, casting her first vote at Golthamajilu Grama Panchayat office, expressed empowerment and hoped for government focus on new roads and ample scholarships.
Tejaswini, another first-time voter at Government School, Mani, emphasized affordable education, calling for accessibility to all at nominal costs.
Lavaneesh, also a first-time voter at Government School, Mani, stressed national development and an upgraded education system with a focus on skill-based education.
Yakshitha K A urged for project implementation benefiting the people, financial aid for students’ education, and creating local job opportunities for youths.
Shahzin Hussain echoed the sentiment of focusing on district development and ensuring quality education accessibility across regions.
Senior Citizens Share Their Views
Draupadi, an 86-year-old voter at Government School, Mani, appreciated both political parties’ performance and expressed no water scarcity issues despite the heat.
Saroja, a 63-year-old voter at Sudhana PU College, emphasized government support for the elderly and desired a party prioritizing public welfare.
Concerns and Security Measures
Regarding concerns about Naxal activities in Sullia taluk, RPSF officers assured measures to address such activities, with deployment at 13 centers.
Voting Trends
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 Dakshina Kannada’s population had exercised their voting rights, indicating a robust participation despite challenging conditions.
