OLDIES TO VOTE FOR FUTURE OF YOUTH
Even in twilight of their lives, inmates of Basantpur old age home are excited about elections with hopes of better future of young generation. Despite only 40 km from state capital town Shimla, inmates are away from hustle-bustle of poll din but aware of every election development through TV and newspapers. Political parties have been focusing the youth vote bank since it comprises nearly 50% of votes.
BASANTPUR(SUNNI): At the twilight of their lives, inmates of the Basantpur old-age home want to vote for a better future for the younger generation. Away from the hustle and bustle of the polls, these inmates have kept themselves abreast of all the latest developments through newspapers and television.
Ironically enough, political parties are directing all their resources at wooing the youth, who have more 50% of the total vote share as opposed to senior citizens whose vote share is only 11.50%.
“All the parties talk only about the youth. Today’s youth too is more excited about elections as compared to youth in our time,” says 65-year-old Sarvani Devi.
This time an auxillary polling station will be set up at the old age home to ease the voting process for the inmates.
“I have hardly missed any election in my life. Because of the auxillary polling station, this time too I can cast my vote comfortably,” says 78-year-old Gokul Das, who has been living the oldage home for the past one year.
“Earlier, job allowances were never a poll issue. We used to vote based on the personality of the candidate. We have voted even in the name of national leaders,” he said, adding, “Now people, especially youth, are more aware of the issue.”
“But I fear political parties can also cheat the youth— even those who support these parties. We have lived our lives; now we will cast our vote to ensure a better life for our youth,” he adds.
“I have seen many elections and this time I will vote in Himachal. I am excited since the old age home authorities have informed us about the special polling booth that will be set up in this building,” says 91-yearold Manikya, who hails from Orissa.
An auxiliary polling booth will be set up here for the 38 inmates, including 13 women, living in this old age home located 40 kilometres from the state capital town Shimla. Shimla deputy commissioner Rohan Chand Thakur said, “We are working tirelessly to sensitise voters and increase the poll percentage. So we have decided to set up a booth for these inmates.”
AN AUXILIARY POLLING BOOTH WILL BE SET UP AT THE OLDAGE HOME TO EASE THE VOTING PROCESS FOR THE INMATES