Hinjewadi residential complexes boost turnout

PUNE: A systematic push from the housing societies in Hinjewadi ensured that there was more than 70% voter turnout from these societies. The initiatives had started much in advance with the housing societies helping the residents with voter registration.

Many societies got together under the aegis of the Hinjewadi Residents’ Welfare Association (HiRWA) and also presented a manifesto to the aspiring candidates.
“We had spread awareness for voter registration and 8-10 new voters were added. Some applications, however, got rejected for no reason,” said Ashok Gosavi of Aspiria society. He added that 36 out of the 43 eligible voters in the society cast their ballots in the first half of the day.
In large townships, the turnout was lower. HiRWA members said despite online registration, names of many members were not included. The members also said that voters were assigned different polling booths and clear information about who should vote were was missing.
“Turnout from our society must be more than 80% (estimated) though,” said Shrikant Shelke of Life Republic. “Today we saw a turnout between 50% and 60% from Megapolis township,” added Anshul Gupta of Megapolis township. Vikas Apte, a representative of Blue Ridge township, said 350 out of 750 eligible voters in the society exercised their right.
IT corridor, villages vote on different issues
The broader Hinjewadi area provides a perfect glimpse of the differences between a city and a village. The difference is not just in lifestyle, but also in what the voter wants. While the well-heeled IT professionals want water, garbage collection and better overall infrastructure, the rural residents seek jobs.
“The new government should focus on joblessness. It is okay if they don’t do anything for old people. If the youths are taken care of, then they will take care of us,” said Gautum Bhasale, a villager who retired from ordnance factory.
Meanwhile, IT professional Shailendra Saxena, said, “We depend on water tankers and have fallen prey to the water mafia. Also, many builders don’t do the conveyance deed in favour of the society. The government must pay attention to this,” he said.