There is a buzz as the Lok Sabha elections come closer. The young people in the city who are voting for the first time in their lives are largely optimistic. Most say they have no use for NOTA but will dig up the dirt, if any, on the candidates before they cast their precious votes. They are hoping that the new government will be honest, focus on education and health of the masses and be proactive in protecting the environment and punishing the wrong-doers.

Dheeraj Lal (20), Dr GR Damodaran College of Science

This is an exciting time. I have listened to conversations about voting and elections all my life, and this is the first time I will be participating in it. I believe that casting vote is a duty as much as it is a right.

The winning candidate will have to address a lot of issues. These include access to clean drinking water and good roads. Though the highways are well paved, the arterial roads and by lanes are very poor in shape. I will vote for a candidate who will fix these. I read the election manifestos of the contesting parties and I analyse the promises made by each. I would like an educated politician who will look into the matter of gender-pay gap. I cannot support NOTA. It is a waste of public money and other resources. When we are given the power, we should exercise it wisely. Before casting a vote, one should do research about the candidate and the party.

Abarnaa Ravi (21), SNS College of Technology

I started following politics only recently. I believe that the young votes will bring about change in this election. It is a big responsibility as we have to choose the right person. While the government provides many schemes in the education sector, few can avail of them as there is no clarity or proper structure. Usually politicians promise better infrastructure during the election, but rarely keep their word. I will choose the candidate who can address all these issues without delay. Initially I thought I would vote according to the ideology of the candidate’s party, but now I feel that individual merit is more important. I am not in favour of NOTA, as I do not think that it will create any change in the present situation. Many have lost their belief in political parties as they have failed to keep their promises. It is up to the new leaders to restore that faith.

Rubikaa Muthumanickam (20),PSG College of Arts and Science

I was not into politics, but I cannot wait for my first vote and get that ink on my finger. It is my right and it makes me feel powerful. I have not yet decided who to vote for. I will vote for a person who will look into education and rural development. I hope the new government will improve the quality of education in our country. The entire system should be recast. People in the rural areas do not have access to basic necessities like water, electricity and healthcare. Measures should be taken to improve the life of farmers. They should get fair price for their produce. Before casting my vote, I check if the candidates are trust-worthy and if they have kept their earlier promises. When given a chance to select a candidate, we should do it.

Dhinesh Raja (21), Government Arts College

Voting is a right given to me by the Indian Constitution. I think it is important to vote as it can determine the future of the country. There are many changes that I would like to see. GST should be rolled back. Fuel prices should also come down. Education and the health sector need attention. The government should make sure that both are affordable. There should be more scholarships for deserving students. I will also appreciate it if sex education is introduced in schools.

Choosing a candidate is not easy. I try and understand the history of the candidate and his/her contribution to the party. I also see if that person has kept earlier promises. I do not want intolerant leaders who discriminate on basis of caste and religion. I do not support NOTA. When we are vested with a power to vote, why waste it? I am very optimistic about this election.

C Abinaya (18), Bishop Appasamy College of Arts and Science

I feel responsible and grown up now. I am not interested in people who offer money and other goodies for votes. The person that I will vote for has to be free from corruption. I will also see how much and what they have contributed to society. The future government should deal with rape and child abuse more seriously. There should be a check on mining and other industries that are bad for the environment. There should be implementation of rules against industries that do not manage their waste effectively. I don’t think NOTA is a good option. All that it can do is reflect the dissatisfaction of the public.