By PRABEER SIKDAR
DEHRADUN, 13 Apr:
One has always heard of freedom fighters getting privileges while utilising essential services such as in buses, trains, etc., but, shockingly, when it comes to the great Indian game of democracy – Assembly & General Elections – they remain without comfort.
Ironically, despite the fact that spotting a freedom fighter, in days to come, would become a rarity, there are neither any provisions in Representation of the People Act, 1951 that directs polling authorities to provide facilities for hassle free polling to freedom fighters or senior citizens, nor has the administration, on its own, appeared to plan any measures.
So, if the Election Commission of India chooses to conduct the General Election in the summers (thank God, it is comparatively cooler in Doon than other parts of India), it is the senior citizens who would feel the impact of the sizzling heat the most while standing in serpentine queues to cast their votes.
With the Lok Sabha election just round the corner, Garhwal Post spoke to voters from three Freedom Fighter families of Doon to understand their problems in addition to their thinking on contemporary political issues.
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Come what may, I would cast my vote: Kanti Narayan SharmaKanti Narayan Sharma (92), Freedom Fighter (spent a year and more in jail during the freedom struggle). He also voted in India’s first General Election in 1952.
Even using a walking stick, I cannot walk properly as I experience too much pains in my legs. Still, I won’t cite this as an excuse for not casting my vote this time.I could have opted out of casting my vote this time, but if every voter thinks this way, nobody would turn up for voting.
Basically, most politicians are corrupt and some, who are not rich, are thus because they never got an opportunity to make money. Even though they betray the people, I have never failed to exercise my franchise.
Renuka Sharma (87), w/o Kanti Narayan Sharma
I do not consider myself old so I have no problem waiting in line to cast my vote. However, I am concerned about those who face difficulty in even standing on their own feet. I feel for senior citizens. The administration should, at least, provide seating arrangements and if not, at least, allow them to cast their votes before others.
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My vote would go to the least corrupt: Sateshwar Narayan Sharma
My vote would go to the least corrupt: Sateshwar Narayan Sharma
Sateshwar Narayan Sharma (92), Freedom Fighter (spent time behind bars for 45 days in 1942 after he dared to hoist the tricolour at Jhanda Bazaar. He even voted in India’s first General Elections in 1952.)
Whether it is a Local Bodies election, Assembly or General Election, there was never a chance in my life when I have not voted. Despite the fact that I remain bedridden for most of the time, I will still go to my Election Booth (200 metres away from his home on Tyagi Road) to cast my vote.
As it is summer time, the best way to cast my vote without feeling the heat is by going early in the morning. Every time, during elections, I have always been among the top 10 voters in the line.I also understand the fact that most politicians are bad, but I would still cast my vote in favour of the least corrupt among the contestants.
Rajeshwari Sharma (82), W/o Sateshwar Narayan Sharma
I, too, have never missed any opportunity to cast my vote during election time. Despite the fact that I would have to stand for a couple of hours in the queue, I would still vote, as a single vote has the power to decide the fate of a contestant.
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