'Settlers' rush to vote in Seemandhra

HYDERABAD: Heavy rush was witnessed at railway stations and bus stands in the capital city on Tuesday. As Seemandhra goes to polls on Wednesday, many of its natives settled or working here do not deem it fit to let their vote go waste.

The state transport carrier, RTC has, in the last two days, plied 900 additional buses to different towns in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra. Even vehicles sponsored by various political parties were seen plying.

Hyderabad comprises various pockets of Seemandhra settlements like Kukatpally and Malkajgiri. On the whole, the election fever in the city has not died out despite the conclusion of elections in Telangana.

Mohammed Ashraf Khan (26), who has been working in Hyderabad for two years, says, 'I want to vote as it is my duty and responsibility to exercise my franchise. After I cast my vote, I will go on an official tour and return on May 8.'

Ashraf hails from Kadapa district and works at a pharmaceutical company at Balanagar. Further, he points out that his friend and colleague Sunil Thulasi Reddy could not make it to his native place owing to heavy demand for bus and train tickets.

Nerala Jyothi, a 46-year-old maid who works for a family at Jubilee Hills, departed for Machlipatnam with her family on Tuesday. Looking eagerly forward to cast her vote, she considers it extremely important for her and her family.

'Every time during elections, we go to our village to cast vote. We get to meet everyone too on such occasions. It is a very important time for all of us,' she explains.

Pinning her hopes on the next government, she confesses that they are unimpressed with the previous administration and are voting for a change.

'In the last five years we have seen a lot of troubles. Hopefully, the next government will look after the welfare of the people,' she adds with hope.

Srinija, an excited first-time voter, hurries to board a bus to her native, Vijayawada. Catching her breath, she says, 'I am very excited to go to my hometown and cast my vote. It is double happiness for me. I get to meet my parents and also cast my vote for the first time.'

She is very careful though not to reveal whom her vote is going to. 'It is a secret. We are not supposed to reveal our vote. Remember what happened to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu when he revealed his vote,' she quips and hurries to board her bus.

Another Seemandhrite, Kedar Nadella, a masters student in the city, notes, 'I will look at the track record of the candidates and their criminal records. Vote is the only tool of making our choice in a democracy,' he says.

A first-time voter, Varnika Chennur, a student at the University of Hyderabad, says, 'We do have to choose our leader and vote is the way for me to participate in democracy.'

She, however, believes that pressing the button against NOTA will be wasting one's vote since it will not have any impact.