Mumbai's first-time voters seek to make "indelible" mark

A large number of first-time voters came out to cast their ballots Monday in Mumbai, marking their formal participation in choosing the next government in the world's largest democracy.

According to the Election Commission (EC) data, Maharashtra has over 1.19 crore voters who fall in the age group of 18-19 years and are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls for the first time.

Enthusiasm was palpable among first-time electors, who openly expressed their views about candidates in the fray and whom they voted for.

Ninad Tendulkar (18), who cast his vote in Dindoshi, which falls under the Mumbai North-West parliamentary constituency, said he had voted keeping in mind issues like good governance and development.

"The Congress-led opposition is not strong and convincing. The opposition party is contesting the lowest number of seats ever.

"I felt there is no harm is giving the BJP-led NDA another chance," he said.

Tendulkar came across as an informed ...