Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051217900200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

First-time voters look into the future with hope

Meera Srinivasan

Demand that Opposition be constructive and responsible Demand that Opposition be constructive and responsible

CHENNAI: They exercised their franchise for the first time. The optimistic lot expect a lot from the new Government.

K. Diwakar, 23, web designer, says, "I am very happy as I expected the DMK to win. I voted for Anbazhagan, who stood in the Harbour constituency, as he is a very experienced and senior politician.

"I hope they keep all the promises they made. More emphasis should laid on providing employment, which is vital for the State's development."

Anitha Krishnan, 20, hospital staff, says, "I was hoping that Vijayakanth would be given an opportunity. Tamil Nadu needs somebody new. Anyway, I hope the new Government concentrates on areas such as education and employment.

"I am not impressed with the `free colour TV' scheme. Will they also repair these televisions if a problem arises? I wish Governments focussed on developmental issues rather than on such issues."

M. Isakimuthu, 18, Plus Two student, says, "I wish there is a rule against political parties owning media houses. All that our television channels did during the elections was confuse people thoroughly.

"The AIADMK should now play the role of a constructive and responsible Opposition."

P. Revathy, 20, who works in an export company, says, "I was pretty happy with the AIADMK regime. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa encouraged students and brought down rowdyism to a great extent.

"I am upset that they didn't win, but I hope the DMK capitalises on the strengths built by the previous Government."

`Improve infrastructure'

G. Prakash, 18, Plus Two student, feels that the "people of Tamil Nadu don't need free rice. If ration shops are run in a fair manner, that will do. The new Government should focus on [improving] infrastructure. We need better roads, good bus services and more employment opportunities.

"Our State is forced to choose between the two Dravidian parties and others think Kollywood icons will bring about a change. It is high time we looked at politics in the right perspective."

`Waive farmers' loans'

V. Hemalatha, 20, college student, says, "I hope the DMK government waives farmers' loans. They are the foundation of our society and only if they are happy and prosperous can the rest of us survive.

"I am happy that Kalaignar has won. I am sure he will work towards the development of the State."