Jammu, Nov 11: They dutifully came, patiently waited for their turn, and after casting their votes, they enthusiastically and proudly displayed their ‘inked fingers’ to the flashing cameras.
For senior citizens, both males and females, who turned out to vote in the by-election for Nagrota assembly segment at PM Shri Government Boys High School Kandoli-Nagrota on Tuesday, their ‘inked finger’ was a symbol of empowerment.
Most of them were in the ‘twilight’ phase of their life, yet their excitement for their right of franchise was palpable.
“Voting is imperative. It is our right as well as duty – a kind of contribution from our side to our country. There is no reason to miss this moment, which gives a sense of empowerment,” was their assertion.
Seeta Devi, 75, recalls, ‘I’ve voted many times. To me, it is a kind of donation. Do they not call it ‘Matdaan’ – contribution through vote. It is for a better future for our children.”
Ratno Devi, 95, was hardly able to walk properly. The members of her family were supporting her, yet her wrinkled face was beaming after she emerged out of the polling station after casting her vote.
She could not talk much yet was quick to answer with a counter-question when asked why she came to vote. “Why should I not?” pat came the reply.
What did she want from the candidate she voted for? “Nothing,” was her precise reply to this question.
Pushpa Devi, 85, asserted, “Things change or don’t change. I’m not bothered, but I’ve always voted. It feels good.
Prof Vijay Dev Singh, 70, was there to vote for the candidate he believed brought change yet could not complete his work. “I’m hopeful it will be accomplished by his successor,” he stated.
Shiv Dutt, 91, a retired Naib Tehsildar, had come alone to cast his vote. Recalling election symbols he voted for in the past, he stated that the constituency was lagging behind as far as basic amenities were concerned, yet that did not discourage him from coming to polling stations every time the elections were announced.
For the youngsters like Avantika, 24, a second-time voter, like other youth, employment opportunities and performance of the candidate were the dominant factors. “Yes, I too consider voting as my duty like our elders, but I have certain expectations which need to be fulfilled,” she asserts.
Parika, 23, a first-time voter who is pursuing her MBA from Chandigarh, stated, “I’m here as I believe even a single vote can make a difference. I’m voting to bring about change in the existing scenario. For me employment remains the focal point.”
For Suresh Kumar, 26, and Gafoor Ahmad, 37, employment and development were the only concerns.
