The intitial phase of voting for Maharashtra Legislative assemply elections has begun. Thanks to the Election Commission for their special initiative to allow senior citizens above 85 years of age and people with disabilities to vote from their home.
In Borivali Mumbai, 93 year old retired Professor of Economics and former Principal of a Mumbai College Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar exercised his right to vote from home. Mr. Ajgaonkar was first approached by Election Commission representative, seeking his permission for the same and then after intimating the day and time, the team of four approached his house with a Policeman with Rifle in his hand.
They made quick arrangement to give his drawing room a feel of a Polling booth by covering his table with partition and offering him ballot paper and allowing him to cast his vote in secrecy. He was then asked to close the envelope and put it in a cover and ballot box. After exercising his right, Mr. Ajgaonkar spoke to Magzmumbai, narrating his experience.
“I am grateful to Election Commission and their local office for giving me this opportunity to vote from home. In the absence of this facility, it would have been impossible for me to go to the polling booth and exercise this precious right given to all citizens of India by the constitution. I appeal to all the citizens to go to the polling booth on the appointed day and exercise their right. In a representative democracy, every citizen becomes the ruler indirectly, through this right to vote. It is your right and also your duty. If you fail in your duty, you have no right to complain against the failure of the government. So, exercise your right to vote and be an enlightended citizen of India. Once again, I thanl all of you.”