Delhi Election 2025: Voters with disabilities speak about governance, unfulfilled promises

Delhi Election 2025: Voters with disabilities made their way to polling stations to exercise their democratic right on Wednesday. While some expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and lack of basic amenities, others acknowledged the progress made in recent years.

From concerns about accessibility and sanitation to the demand for more inclusive policies, these voters highlighted key issues they hope the next government will address.

Frustration over unfulfilled promises

Speaking to Patriot, Mangal Pandey (32), a voter with disabilities who cast his ballot at MCD Co-Ed Pre School in Kalkaji, expressed anguish over the unfulfilled promises made of political parties.

“No one cares about poor people. All political parties and leaders are liars. They all make false promises. I am here to vote because it’s my democratic right, but the fact is nobody cares about the lives of poor people. We are just a vote bank for them,” Pandey said.

Pandey, who lives in a rented house in Ghari Village, Kalkaji assembly constituency, claimed that despite the promise of 200 units of free electricity, he still has to pay the full charges.

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Criticising the culture of freebies, he added, “The people who are truly in need are not getting the benefits of these schemes.”

Acknowledging progress, but sanitation remains a concern

Shahid Khan (45), another voter with disabilities, cast his vote at MCD Prathmik Vidyalaya, Lajpat Nagar-1, in the Jangpura assembly constituency. Unlike Pandey, he expressed satisfaction with the development work carried out in the national capital over the past decade.

“The pace of work done in Delhi over the past decade is satisfying. I just want better sanitation conditions in my locality. That is the only issue I have voted for,” Khan said.

Determination to vote despite challenges

Ismail Ali, an amputee voter from the Okhla constituency, emphasised that his disability has never prevented him from casting his vote.

“I make it a point to vote in every election. I don’t let my disability hold me back because my vote matters. But polling stations should be made more accessible for others like me,” said Ali, who is in his thirties.

Baldev Yadav, a partially blind voter from Karawal Nagar, also made his way to the polling station in his locality. He remains determined to vote for a more inclusive Delhi.

“Delhi’s roads and footpaths are not well-maintained. This makes mobility extremely difficult for persons with disabilities. I have voted for a more accessible and inclusive capital city,” said Yadav, who is in his early forties.

Calls for improved infrastructure and accessibility

Shakir Khan (65), another voter with disabilities who has participated in elections for many years, cast his vote at Rabea Girls Public School, Ballimaran.

He stressed the need for development in his area. “Proper drainage, sanitation, electricity supply—these basic amenities should be prioritised by the new government,” he said.

Similarly, Narinder Kaur (80) was accompanied by her son to cast her vote at Patel Nagar.

“We have been voting in the hope that our genuine demands will be addressed. Our area has lacked proper roads for years, and basic facilities remain neglected. These issues need serious attention from the next government,” she said.

Expressing her hopes for the future, she added, “We have high expectations from the upcoming government.