For many even an arduous journey was not a hurdle to voting

The turnout wasn't impressive. However, on the brighter side there was the scenario of a large number of people, including first-timers, going out of their way to cast their votes.

This reporter came across a 20-year-old MBBS student who had come from Kolhapur to vote, and also a Bhandup resident, who had travelled to Vasai for the purpose.

Roshani Manek, who is studying in Kolhapur, came all the way to Bhakti Park in Wadala to vote. "I had decided I would vote as I want a change in my country. Though the options were equally bad, I had to choose the better of the two. It was solely my decision, and I was not influenced by anyone including my parents."

Similarly, Bhandup resident Manish Chaturvedi, who had travelled to Vasai, believes he can make a difference by voting. Chaturvedi first went to his office in Andheri from his Bhandup residence, completed some important work he had to do, and in the afternoon left for Vasai's Manikpur area (Palghar constituency) to vote.

"I don't understand how people can skip voting. There is no point in taking out candle-lit marches after something untoward happens. That is for television cameras. Voting is for real and I believe my voting can bring change to Palghar, which is predominantly rural and misses out on the development that takes place in Mumbai," said Chaturvedi, proudly showing his inked finger.

Twenty-year-old Andheri resident Meenakshi Segatia had travelled to Matunga to exercise her franchise. "I wanted to do it this time as I couldn't vote last time due to some unforeseen reasons. So I came to Matunga. But, it was a disappointing venture as my name was missing from the list," said Segatia, looking really let down.

But photojournalist Mukesh Parpiani had no such problem. He had travelled from Navi Mumbai to Wadala Bhakti Park along with his entire family to vote.