The electoral rolls of the city prove that there are around one lakh first-time voters this year. Considering that the total number of voters in the city is 4.83 lakh, this populace forms a substantial part.

Further, around 60 percent of the voters fall in the age group of 18 to 40 years while men outnumber women. Also, voters in colonies and villages are more than the urban voter.

Political parties also seem aware of this changing voter profile. To cater to this segment, each party has come up with its own ‘bait’.

BSP’s candidate for the Lok Sabha elections, Harmohan Dhawan, says: “I urge youth to come out and vote. They should assess the performance of the candidates and then cast their vote. We aim to bring more mega-projects to the city that will generate employment as well as boost the economy.”

On its part, the BJP has started a felicitation ceremony (under the name Nav Matdata Abhinandan Sammelan) for first-time voters.

BJP candidate Satya Pal Jain said: “Our’s is the only party where the youth have a chance to prosper. In the Congress, only the children of leaders are encouraged to join the ranks. The Yuva Morcha is involving the youth at every polling booth. We have also raised the demand of a Public Service Commission as well as Services Selection Board for the city.”