‘Thrilled I can now have a say in choosing nation’s leaders’
Times of India | 2 June 2024
Kolkata: Distance, physical disability or technical hurdles, nothing could deter these first-time voters, who were thrilled to exercise their democratic right.
Nimta’s Soham Pal (19) feels proud that he will have a say in choosing the nation’s leaders.
It was a new, “adult” experience for Eshitha Barua, who recently turned 18. Suffering from multiple bone disorders, life has not been easy for the first-year student of St Xavier’s College.But as she walked into a polling booth on Saturday to get inked for the first time, Barua said she wanted the authorities to realise the importance of disabled friendly polling booths. “They should at least keep a stool for people like me so that we can vote properly. I had to keep my body at an angle to vote,” said Barua, who is 3-foot-8-inch tall.
For Utsav Roy, who lost his parents at an early age, casting vote for the first time was a moment of pride as well as relief. “My application for a voters’ card was rejected ahead of the last assembly election as I could not produce my parents’ signatures. But I applied again, and got it this time,” said Roy. “I am excited that I can participate in the electoral process.”
Vedika Bhagat (19), who studies economics in Singapore, flew down to Kolkata, only to be part of the Lok Sabha elections. “I had for long been waiting for the day I could accompany my parents to a polling booth and get inked together. I obtained a special permission from my institute and came home. I could not miss this chance of casting vote for the first time,” said Bhagat.
Misha Chakraborty, a second-year St Xavier’s student, was suprised the process got over in a jiffy. “I expected some sort of a rush, but it was so smooth that I left the booth in five minutes. I voted for progress and a sustainable approach for the nation,” said the Salt Lake resident. Akshat Bhatia also found the process easy and swift. “It was better than what I expected. After voting, I went to Park Street for breakfast.” Srijita Talukdar from New Town, said, “I formed my opinion based on news.”