Will Mumbai's voters surprise India?
Will Mumbai's voters surprise India? That is the question the morning papers here are posing as polls opened early this morning. They are imploring, goading and hectoring people to cast their ballots. Half of Mumbai residents have traditionally stayed away from the vote.
"This is your V-Day, Mumbai," says . Then it begins worrying: "In Mumbai, a city known for its low turnout," the paper says, "the big question is: will enough people brave a sweltering summer day and queue up to vote". An editorial in the same paper wonders whether many residents have already left for a short vacation, as the next three days are holidays.
exhorts the reader: "If you are worried about the slowdown and its effect on your future, if you were furious with the way 26/11 [Mumbai attacks] was handled, this is the time to pick the people you want to manage your nation." I have not seen fervent appeals of this kind in any other city in India. Will Mumbai listen? I plan to find out later today.
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