Visakhapatnam, Tirupati: Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, senior citizens in Andhra Pradesh turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights during the recent state elections. Election Day saw a surge of experienced voters determined to make their voices heard, even in the face of difficult weather conditions and obstacles.
In Visakhapatnam district, where the maximum temperature touched 36.6 degrees Celsius, savvy voters braved wind, rain and obstacles to cast their votes in Monday’s Assembly polls in large numbers despite it being polling day.
Despite scorching temperatures and snaking lines, seniors turned out in droves and inspired young people. The atmosphere at the polling stations was full of enthusiasm and determination, with long lines of people, mainly elderly people, forming in front of the polling stations since morning.
Among them was 92-year-old Laxman Reddy, who emphasized the importance of every vote in shaping the future of the nation. “A single vote can make a difference,” he stated flatly.
Rama Rao, 87, a former bank shareholder, and his wife traveled to the city from Chennai to vote.
However, several challenges hampered the voting process. Lily Margareddy, 75, lamented the lack of separate queues for seniors and the lack of support from authorities. “I’ve been waiting in line for more than an hour, but it’s hard in the heat,” she lamented.
Similarly, 89-year-old physically challenged voter Pita Ella Amma also arrived at the polling station this time without knowing anything about home voting facilities.
Despite these challenges, the determination of older voters like Parvati Devi, 89, is commendable. “She wanted to experience this election again because she doesn’t know if she’ll live until the next election,” she said, emphasizing the emotional importance she put into her vote.
A large number of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Tirupati city immediately reached the polling stations to exercise their right to vote, embodying the spirit of democracy and determining the direction of governance for the next five years.
Undeterred by the scorching heat, they lined up to vote, sending a powerful message to those who abstained about the importance of every vote in the fabric of democracy.
A. Rajeswari, a 71-year-old woman, is motivated by the desire to elect a government that will protect a bright future for my two granddaughters, even though the future may be uncertain for me. Clearly stated. .
The Election Commission has introduced home voting, but many elderly people remain unaware of it. The plight of the elderly was further exacerbated by the lack of dedicated support and equipment at polling stations.
In Visakhapatnam district alone, there are around 8,900 elderly voters, including 4,252 men and 4,658 women, and 16,665 persons with disabilities. They should have received better consideration in exercising their franchise rights. Some older voters, like 71-year-old Mohan Reddy, say it was a hassle-free voting experience.
The meteorological center at Amaravati in Guntur district has issued a weather alert predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms for the next five days. The southwest monsoon is expected to move into the southern Andaman Sea, parts of the southeastern Bay of Bengal and the Nicobar Islands by May 19, 2024.
The advisory is due to heavy rainfall at isolated places over North Coast of Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds of 40-50 kmph over NCAP, Yanam and South Coast of Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) It emphasizes the possibility of heavy rain. , Rayalaseema.
