Mumbai: The city’s senior citizens – who have witnessed the rise and fall of a long line of leaders, women’s suffrage, and the switch from ballot paper to electronic voting machines (EVMs) – came out in large numbers to vote Monday despite the scorching heat and their failing health. Most of them have never missed exercising their right to vote for the past many decades.
Several elderly persons were escorted to the poll-ing booths by their family members. A paralytic patient Jagdish Chandra-kant Dhuru (75), who came to vote along wi-th his son and wife, said, “I never miss my right to vote, though my body does not support me in doing so.”
Kamalini Wedak (90) was escorted by her son to the polling booth. She travelled to the booth by a two-wheeler and then used a wheel chair. “I am unable to walk much. But, I didn’t want to miss voting this time,” she said.
Kalachowkie resident Jairam Kotre (86), who was a volunteer of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and was jailed for his active participation came from Kokan Lanja to cast his vote. “My vote is important. I have always been a nation lover and due to my old age, I cannot contribute much to the progress. However, by casting my vote, I can contribute.”
Ramakant Pawar (89), who has been speech-impaired after a surgery a year ago, was accompanied by his wife Pushpa. “Although he also has difficulty in moving around, he insisted that he should vote, which is why I brought him to the booth,” said Pushpa.
Swarnambal Krishnas-wamy, who turned 103 last week, came to cast her vote at Chembur. “It is my right and I will vote till the time God keeps me alive,” she said.
Lalita Dattatry Borkar (70), who is a resident of Worli, came to vote at the Koliwada area with her sons. She said that she had been regularly voting every year and was still excited to vote this time around.
An 89-year-old man who did not wish to be named said that he missed old times when Mumbai used to be quiet and peaceful. He came with his grandson to vote at Dadar in front of Sena Bhawan. “Although development is good, it should happen while keeping ecological factors in mind. In front of my house, I see several cars honking loudly and every road is being dug in the name of construction,” he said.
