Wheelchair, walking with crutches, paralysis no deterents for voters
RAMU YADAV (55), who is visually impaired, said he felt empowered casting his vote. Kamal Kishore, who has been suffering from paralysis for 15 years, reached the polling booth in the morning.
Even the physical deterrents could not stop the Delhiites from coming out and casting their vote for the Municipal elections on Sunday. Despite being on wheelchair or walking with crutches, residents enthusiastically arrived at the polling booths on o make their vote count.
Voting for the highstakes civic poll in Delhi is largely seen as a three-way contest among the AAP, the BJP and the Congress. Over 1.45 crore electors are eligible to exercise their franchise in the election to the 250 MCD wards, the results of which may have ramifications beyond the national capital.
Ramu Yadav (55), who is visually impaired, said he felt empowered casting his vote.
Kamal Kishore, who has been suffering from paralysis for 15 years, reached the polling booth in the morning.
“This is a right given to us by the Constitution and we should exercise it because each vote counts,” he said.
Eight-four-year-old Khulbhushan Gupta, who came in a wheelchair, said he has not missed voting in the last few years.
“I feel strong and confident when I vote. It empowers me and I feel I have done my duty,” he said.
When asked what his priority was, Gupta said, “Of course, development is the key issue. I want my locality to be further developed and equipped with all the facilities it deserves.”
A daily wager, Mohammad Rashid, who is jobless for over a month due to an accident, reached the Khazoori Khas polling station with the help of a stick only because of his faith “change starts from us.”
At the gate of the booth, he was assisted by polling agents and police personnel, who provided the 48year-old with a wheelchair and ensured he gets to cast his vote first.
Gyaan Prakash, who is paralysed below the waist, came in a wheelchair to exercise his franchise. Prakash is of the view that if he can overcome his condition and still come to cast a vote nothing should stop the youth.
“I am here to exercise my right. Everybody should understand the importance of voting,” he said.
Assisted by her son, 67year-old Shakuntla reached the polling station in Bhajanpura. She faces difficulty in walking due to a six-year-old accident.
“Voting is important. I haven't missed any elections. I walk with the help of a walker. But I had to come to cast my vote. It is our right,” Shakuntla said.