Delhi Election 2025: Elderly voters brave odds to make their voices heard

As Delhi heads to the polls, senior citizens across the national capital demonstrated their commitment to democracy, turning out in large numbers to cast their votes. Braving health challenges, they prioritised their civic duty, often accompanied by their loved ones, and voiced concerns about key issues such as infrastructure, cleanliness, and essential services.

Defying limitations to vote

Rajkumar Verma, 78, who was assisted by his 23-year-old grandson, Vasant Verma, has been a consistent voter for over half a century. Even his wheelchair has not deterred him from participating in the electoral process.

“It is the one duty that every citizen should have and do. Moreover, they should be proud of doing it. Even if my grandson and son had not come with me, I would have made sure that I go, at the very least. I have voted for a better Delhi since the responsibility of the city is technically on us as citizens,” he told Patriot.

Similarly, Brijesh Kumar, 76, a resident of Karawal Nagar’s Sonia Vihar, arrived at the polling station on his cart, determined to cast his vote. A ragpicker by profession, he struggles to walk but insisted that elections were too important to miss.

“Normally, I can’t really walk as such. I have stopped going to work as well since my body can’t really support me. However, I did not want to miss out on these elections, no matter what. I have always voted ever since I came of age, and merely getting old is no excuse,” he said while being helped up from his wheelchair.

Also Read: Delhi Assembly Elections: A step-by-step guide on how to cast your vote

Abdul Khaliq, 75, walked with the help of a stick to reach the polling booth at Amina Muslim Girls School in Ballimaran.

“I have been voting here for many years, and I will continue to vote as it is my right,” he asserted.

“I have voted for the development of my constituency, be it roads, water supply, electricity, etc.”

A vote for development

For many elderly voters, their ballots symbolised a hope for better infrastructure. Siraj Din, 80, accompanied by his son, has always voted with development in mind.

“Votes bring change. I see development on the ground, and this is the power of voting,” he said.

Echoing this, Mohd Toheed Siddque, 61, highlighted the gaps in Ballimaran’s civic infrastructure.

“Though a lot has been done, more is needed. We still lack proper drainage, a reliable water supply, and sanitation,” he said.

Sunil Kumar (name changed), a 78-year-old who cast his vote in East of Kailash, Kalkaji assembly constituency, was accompanied by his son and exuded enthusiasm.

“Today, we have voted on the issues of good roads, clean air, and clean drinking water,” he stated.

“Over the past ten years, no roads have been built in our locality, and the condition of the streets has gone from bad to worse. It is shameful that in such a posh area, the infrastructure is so poor. Senior citizens who are unable to walk properly face severe hardships due to this issue,” Kumar said.

“Apart from this, we need clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Being the national capital, the city should have world-class services, but instead, we are not even getting clean drinking water and clean air to breathe,” he added.

Election Commission efforts appreciated

MC Kapoor, 82, who was helped by his daughter to the polling station, praised the Election Commission of India for its arrangements for senior citizens.

Kapoor cast his vote at MCSD Prathmik Vidyalaya, Lajpat Nagar-1.

“The national capital should be clean, and this is the major issue on which I have cast my vote today. We want our city to be clean,” Kapoor said.

“Additionally, the roads in our locality should be revamped as their current state is pathetic. There is traffic congestion in every nook and corner of the city,” he added.

Special provisions for elderly voters

To facilitate voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, the Election Commission designated 733 polling stations. Additionally, 6,980 out of 7,553 eligible voters under the home voting facility had already cast their ballots.

Their commitment to voting, despite age and health constraints, underscores the significance of civic engagement and the impact of electoral participation on shaping the future of Delhi.