Celebrity quotient on any occasion is just hard to ignore and the Lok Sabha elections held on Tuesday (May 7) were no exception. Many voters who came out to vote were lucky to see some of the celebrities in the queue to exercise their franchise.
The presence of these celebrities added a touch of glamour and excitement to the election day, making it a memorable experience for those who came out to vote. This is what they had to say after casting their vote.
PRESERVING GOA’S HERITAGE
I’m looking for a political party that will save Goa from land grab, save its heritage and culture. The party must focus on opportunities to turn our jobless youth into self-sufficient individuals. I’m hoping to see competent management of the economy, public services and other government functions in place.
-- Verma D'Mello, fashion designer
PRIORITISE PEOPLE’S NEEDS
My voting experience was excellent and everything was very well organised, even amidst the crowd in Calangute. As an Indian citizen, I hope the elected candidates for the next five years prioritise the needs of the people above all else. With a large population like India’s, those in power must use their influence wisely to elevate our country and push us towards greater success.
-- Katya Coelho, India's 1st woman windfoiler
FUTURE OF THE NATION
I’ve never followed elections more closely than this one, as it is not about the next five years but the future of the nation will be decided by this election result. Today I had to wait an extra half hour as a voter in front of me in Benaulim had a doubt about the slip not cutting and falling when the lights were on. Though it wasn’t an issue as such, I guess there are doubts in people’s minds regarding the EVMs. Legislative elections were always given more importance than the Parliamentary ones in Goa except for this one.
-- Miransha Naik, Filmmaker
I CHANTED BHARAT MATA KI JAI
Everyone cannot help the country by protecting the borders, but we sure can vote for its betterment. When I went to the polling booth to vote, before I entered, I said Bharat Mata ki Jai. I went to vote with a lot of excitement and I know that my vote will make a difference. As an artist, I feel that everyone must work towards taking Goa to different heights, be it in any field. Also, I have noticed that if we work to excel, we take our country forward. The first thing people want to know is, where is this person from, which village etc.
DESIRE TO SEE PROGRESS
This time when I went early this morning to cast my vote, I found all the arrangements nicely done – the water, disposable glasses, huge fans for the people. Like other citizens we are looking for progress, economic advancement and peace among the people of the country.
-- Sonia Shirsat, Fadista
GOOD TO SEE YOUNGSTERS
I saw some young faces of Goa who just turned 18 voting and this was amazing. The good thing is that youngsters are clicking selfies after voting to show that they have cast their vote and after posting on social media their friends are showing up at the polling booths to vote and click their selfies.
-- Kevin D'Mello, Actor