From 100-yr-old to first-timers, scores turn up to vote in bypoll

The Tarn Taran byelection witnessed several interesting moments as voters from all walks of life came forward to exercise their democratic right.

Sajjan Singh, a 100-year-old resident of Noordi village, expressed great happiness after casting his vote. He proudly said that he has never missed voting in any election, having participated in assembly polls even before the Partition of India in 1947, when Punjab was still undivided.

For Sumanpreet Kaur of Tharu village, it was an emotional moment as she voted for the first time. She appealed to the government to take strict action to eradicate the menace of drugs, revealing with sorrow that her 27-year-old brother had lost his life to addiction.

Another first-time voter, Mehakpreet Kaur, said she felt honoured to be a part of the democratic process. She arrived at the polling station with her mother and aunt, expressing pride in fulfilling her civic duty.

The district administration also introduced several voter-friendly initiatives. Three Pink Booths, staffed entirely by women, were set up to encourage female participation, while a special booth for persons with disabilities (PWD) ensured inclusivity. Additionally, four model polling booths were also established.