Election Promises Rarely Honoured, Elders Say After Voting

Voted to become participant in development: Youngsters

Jammu: The elderly voters were still doubtful about the commitment of the candidates whom they voted and said they quoted their earlier experience to say that election promises were made to break after victory.

On the other hand, for the first timer youngsters it was a dream fulfilment of casting the vote while many said that they voted for developments in their areas.

It was a scene of hustle-bustle at a polling station at a Government Primary School in Dai Chack Sarora-about 15 kilometres from Jammu city where one can reach after travelling through dusty roads with little traffic and similar public movements.

The otherwise lonely school presented a joyous atmosphere with men, women, elders and children all gathered there either to cast their votes or to watch the activities.

Ramu-a mechanic by profession and his wife Monika both were moving towards the polling station to cast their votes.

“Voting is our right and it is important to cast vote as by doing so we will be participating in the developmental activities of our area,” Ramu told this reporter when asked why he was going to cast his vote.

The 88 years old Bhago Ram had different reason to cast his vote.

Referring to a small pocket in Sarore village where some families of his community reside, he said: “Our area has all the required facilities still I cast my vote knowingly that nothing will be given by anyone to anyone after winning the elections.”

Perhaps he was referring to broken promises of the politicians.

“Uncle I am here just to see the cops in army uniform and their big guns,” Sonu-a class 6th student said when asked why was he there near the polling station.

He was referring to the security personnel deputed at the polling station for ensuring free and fair polls in a peaceful manner.
Other children of his age too were having fun at the very gate of the school where polling station was made.

When contacted, Assistant Returning Officer at the polling station-S. Nasib Singh said that there were 1295 voters to cast their votes in that particular polling station of which 663 were men and 632 were women.

Another Panchayat Halqa- Lower Raipur Domana-A popularly known as Machine Domana also went to polls today.

Two polling stations were established in this Panchayat Halqa at two different schools.

The Government High School Domana where one such polling station was established presented long queues of voters eagerly waiting for their turn to cast their votes.

Standing in the queue, enthusiastic Manisha of class 11th studying arts at a nearby school said she is going to elect a Sarpanch and Panch of her choice.

“I want that my elected Sarpanch and Panch should ensure development of my area,” she said.

Another first timer Anjali too held similar views.

Kanchan Chib-a BA final year student was too going to vote for the first time and she too expected developments from the candidates after winning the polls.

Another polling station in this Panchayat Halqa was one kilometre away at Government Higher Secondary School Domana.

There too was heavy gathering outside the school with people discussing about the possible winner and his backgrounds.
Inside the school, Raj Rani, 75 years of age said that she was asked to vote by her children so she has casted her vote.

She also said that no one will do anything after winning the elections.

However, with smile on their lips, the first timers appeared to be answer-ready and awaiting questions from the newsmen.

“I am Sunali Rajput and I am a first timer. I study in BA Part-II and I feel good after voting,” a young girl promptly answered with enthusiasm on her face.

“Sir, it was my long cherished dream which will soon be going to become a reality,” she continued adding that it was her right to vote and she will properly use her right wisely for the development and upliftment of her locality.

Jai Shree Rajput-another girl who too was a first timer said that she was casting her vote as she want a public park in her locality.

“The road here should be repaired as many accidents take place on this road,” she maintained adding that dustbins, public-park and public toilets too are urgently needed in the area.

When contacted, the Presiding Officers at the polling station informed that polling was going smoothly and in a free and fair manner without any disturbance from anyone.

They also informed that the public too was very cooperative.

The nearby Panchayat Halqa was-Falora Nagbani where a deserted primary school was converted into polling station.

After the main road a tiled stretch followed by a dilapidated lane led to the polling station.

An old man sitting on a chair enjoying sunshine identified himself as Shankar Dass, aged 88 years said he has voted to the candidate of his choice.

This octogenarian said that good roads are a need in his village but he was not confident if the same will be provided if the candidate whom he voted wins.

Another elder of 70 years of age-Umesh Kumar-a retired Government employee said that he voted for a good person to win so that developments may take place in his village.

He also informed that streets were made in the village long back in the year 1991 and after that nothing was done on the ground and only assurances were given.

Similar were the views of Suram Singh-a retired Army Captain and Kuldeep Singh. (Daily Excelsior)