Gurgaon civic polls: First-time voters excited to get inked, vote for better infra

Young voters came out in large number across the city to elect the councillors and the mayor.

First-time voters from across the city were enthused to exercise their franchise in the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) elections on Sunday. Youngsters said they have voted for better infrastructure and are looking forward to positive changes.

Many of the first-time voters said they decided to cast their votes in favour of those who promised to make the city safe for women. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Youngsters thronged the roads and were seen lining up at their respective booths in Basai, Sadar Bazar, Arjun Nagar and Sector 9 from 7.30am. Young voters came out in large number across the city to elect the councillors and the mayor.

“I was delighted to cast my vote as I believe that new faces in the political scenario will bring clarity and transparency. We want better roads and streetlights in our area,” said 20-year-old Silvee Raghav, a student who cast her vote for the first time in MCG elections in ward 12, Bhawani Enclave.

Many of the first-time voters said they decided to cast their votes in favour of those who promised to make the city safe for women.

A first-time voter from ward number 15, 23-year-old Neha Bangia said,“Every day, we come across stories related to crime against women. The current scenario should change. I am voting for women security.”

Dhruv Agarwal, a 21-year-old from ward 19, said, “My mother travels late and with lack of public transport in the city, women’s security is a big issue.”

Voters were also discussing issues keenly. While many of them said the city requires better roads and improved security, others said that dumping of construction debris and waterlogging in low-lying areas are more serious concerns.

A voter at booth number 3 in ward 19, Rakhi Dahiya, who came to cast her vote with her husband and son, said that the city lacks basic facilities such as electricity, water, health facilities and the government needs to address these immediately. “These candidates must also be facing similar problems, just like we do. We hope for some relief in this regard.”

Rekha Sharma, a 22-year-old woman from ward 16, said, “We are suffering from waterlogging and dumping of construction debris in the area. People are suffering from health issues and the corporation never felt the need to act. I am not happy with the present condition.”

Voters were confident that newly elected candidates will work for the betterment of the city. The civic body polls are the second round of elections since the MCG’s inception. The first round of elections was held in 2011.