“Voting is an important constitutional duty and a right that turns our voice into an effective tool. I think everyone must register their names and make sure every vote is cast. When I vote I want my MP to deliver on promises made. For Mumbai, I would urge the MP to provide us pothole-free roads, for potholes have caused massive loss of human lives. I would want MPs to work on giving us clean air and drinking water. And ensuring there is harmony at all times and different views and opinions are respected. I want 24×7 safety for women and children. There must be an environment of harmony and implementation of law and order that allows women to work and walk the streets freely and without fear. I want people from different castes and religion to feel safe in this country and prosper. I also want my MP to create facilities for stray animals where they can be taken care of and protected. The poor should have a life of dignity. The Mumbai MP should also work for a garbage free beach and prevent untreated sewage from going into the sea.”

 

 

“I don’t mean to sound cynical but I don’t think anything can be done. I am sorry to say this, but there is corrosion across the board of every single political party. I don’t understand how the city is managing despite this. There are individuals who may seem sensible, but, by and large, I do not see any hope. I am too tired to fight battles. Unless there is a complete overhaul of the political system, from the roots up, I do not see any hope for change.”

 

 

“We want better infrastructure in Mumbai. While we need good roads in Mumbai, they are forever dug up and there are traffic jams. My team, from across the world, does not like to come to Mumbai because of its poor infrastructure, especially ladies. Those who wear stilettos cannot walk on Mumbai roads and footpaths. Executive agencies do not see eye to eye and there is no coordination between them. The city does not have accessibility for the disabled, unlike abroad, where the wheelchair-bound are given first preference. Here you just can’t take the wheelchair-bound on the streets.”

 

“We want good day-to-day life in Mumbai, which will come with good governance. I have travelled to 39 countries and feel very sorry for our country. We pay huge amounts in taxes, but don’t know where it goes. Roads in Mumbai are dug up throughout the year. There are cars everywhere and there’s no place to walk. The policemen take haftas as their salaries are very low. Our MPs should give us pothole-free roads. Agencies in the city must work in coordination with each other to prevent disasters. The present government is doing good work and needs to continue for the next 5-10 years. There is better cleanliness, at least in my area. The Sensex too has increased 56 percent in the last five years. MPs must fulfill their promises.”

 

 

“I have lived in Mumbai all my life, and have been doing business from the same place for the last 30 years. Demonetisation affected my business: there were no buyers, for people were running everywhere to get invalid notes exchanged. With GST set at 18 percent, the cost of raw material has gone up, so it has become costly for me to procure and sell my wares. Now eateries charge GST. Things have become very expensive. Earlier it was not bad as business was good. Now, though I have filled up forms as a hawker, the municipal corporation keeps removing my wares. My MP must give me a better environment to live and work in.”

 

 

“I expect accountable MPs -- those who will see that common people like me, who pay their taxes, are not harassed, inconvenienced or intimidated into silence, who will live and citizens live by our constitution first and not create an atmosphere divisiveness based on religion, caste, class or gender. I seek people who will bring dignity and decorum to the high offices they will occupy. Most importantly, they must realise they are not our masters but rather servants of the people who have elected them.”

 

“Investors are unhappy with the introduction of long term capital gains tax (LTCGT) last year and business is low. The tax should be removed. Securities transaction tax (STT) charged at 0.05 percent should also be reduced. The Maharashtra government cess should be abolished. As it is, GST is charged at five percent on brokerage. With SEBI allowing entities like PayTM into the securities and broking sector, small brokers will find it tough to survive in the business. Brokerage charges must be brought under regulatory control.”