Thane residents gear up to vote

THANE: Thane residents, especially the youth, are taking their right to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections very seriously this year. Apart from looking forward to casting their individual votes, Thaneites are also going all out to create awareness about the topic.
Dr Vineet Srinivasan, a dentist by profession and a Balkum resident, feels strongly about this.He says, “I love this electoral process. I am a staunch believer in the democratic system of elections.” The democratic dentist in his eagerness to encourage voting among Thaneites, adds on a lighter note, “Actually, I am seriously considering doing free check-ups for people who have voted. All they need to do is show me the finger.”
The city has been a witness to many rallies and processions that revolve around creating and sharing more knowledge about the process. The Thane Consumer Protection Service Council also organized a vote awareness rally recently. Meetings are being held at various places to encourage eligible citizens to vote.
However, there still are a few who are unwilling to vote because of the messy political scenario. Anwesha Bhide, a college student, says, “I know people who are not too willing to exercise their right to vote. I try and talk them out of it whenever possible.” She suggests using the variety of social media platforms, which can prove to be extremely useful when it comes to increasing awareness.
Tariq and Farah Ahmed, Majiwada residents, have recently been blessed with a baby and despite their busy schedule, they state that they will take time out, to cast their vote. Says Farah, “I will be voting for a change, for a corruption-free India.”
The entire purpose of voting is to bring about a significant change in the system. Explains Usha Menon, a Manpada resident, “I think we can bring about a change only when we rise beyond politics while voting.” She urges, “Vote for the best candidate, someone who you are sure will work for his/her constituency. Do not support a bad candidate just because he/she is representing a party you like.”
Tariq echoes the feeling, “I will vote for a clean candidate irrespective of his party.”