‘Maiden experience of casting vote a proud feeling’
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Apr 26: Continuous disruption of train traffic because of farmers’ agitation in Punjab prevented a number of voters from reaching home to exercise their democratic right as Jammu Parliamentary Constituency went to polls today under second phase of ongoing General Elections for the 18th Lok Sabha.
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While maximum of these unfortunate voters were young, the first time voters were most disappointed as they had been eagerly waiting for their maiden experience to become part of the biggest festival of democracy.
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“I was overenthusiastic to think of casting my vote for the first time, but could not reach home because of uncertainty in movement of trains while the airfare was too high to afford,” said Nirbhika, a B Tech student from Jammu, studying in Greater Noida.
Similarly, Aayti Gupta, Navtika and Nitant ( studying in Delhi University), Varun (working in the banking sector), his wife Mirnalni among several others from Jammu could not reach home for casting vote due to blockade of train tracks and roads by the agitating farmers.
Pertinent to mention that number of trains are being cancelled, diverted or short-terminated for the last more than a week because of ‘Rail Roko’ agitation by farmers that began on April 17 at the Shambhu Railway Station in Punjab.
Further, due to the road blockade by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, road traffic has already been hit, and commuters have had to follow longer routes or go through villages to reach the main road. The protesting farmers are demanding the release of their associates arrested during the ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest in February last.
Meanwhile, those first-time voters who were able to exercise their democratic right, were seen enthusiastically visiting the Polling Stations and proudly displaying the ink mark on their index finger after casting vote.
“It’s an honour to participate in the polling and elect the one who could become our voice in the Parliament,” said Navya, who reached from Chandigarh last evening and cast vote along with her father.
Siblings Ana Gupta and Abmanyu Gupta of Reasi, who were also the first time voters and studying outside, came all the way this morning to exercise their fundamental right and cast their vote at Town Hall Reasi Polling Station. They said that priority issues for them are education and health infrastructure, good roads and employment.
Another first time voter at Pink Polling Station in Reasi, said: “I believe if we rightly choose our representative, he will definitely do development. With this mind, I came here for voting.”
“I flew from Delhi to reach here and cast my vote for the first time. I request each and every citizen of the country to exercise this democratic right as it is our responsibility towards the nation,” said a youth at Trikuta Nagar Polling Station in Jammu.
Another first time voter at ITI College Akhnoor Polling Station, opined that her maiden experience of casting vote was a proud feeling as a responsible citizen of the country.
Due to diversion of train route, it took more than 20 hours for Nidhi Sharma, a young social activist, to reach Jammu and cast her vote. “It’s tough call as I have to return to Delhi again today for my official work. But in the end , it was worth because I took part in the democratic process which will help our country’s destiny,” she said.
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