Voted for development of city, say women electors

Women voters of all ages, from young adults to those as old as 85, were actively engaged at polling booths across Delhi on Wednesday. A key theme emerged from their conversations — the desire for development.

Women comprise around 72.36 lakh of Delhi’s electorate, making them a critical demographic in the elections. All three major political parties have been trying to win their support, offering various schemes and promises aimed at improving the city’s future.

While interacting with The Tribune after casting their ballots, women voters said they want continued progress for the city.

Deepa, a resident of Janpath, who was given a sapling by the New Delhi Municipal Council after voting, said: “I voted for my Delhi, for betterment, for my children’s future and for me.”

Jayanti, another voter, said, “The only thing we thought of was that Delhi should get better development. While the last decade has seen some level of progress, much more still needs to be done.”

Alka, who cast her vote for the first time in Delhi after staying here for 10 years, expressed excitement about the process. She said: “I was excited to cast my vote in Delhi. Back in my hometown, voting was filled with hardships, and scuffles often broke out. But in Delhi, it was quiet and smooth, and I voted for the party that helped me register my voter ID.”

At 85, Bimla Devi, one of the oldest voters, was accompanied by her daughter Dayavanti to the polling booth in Shanti Niwas.

Devi, a passionate supporter, said: “We will make the lotus bloom, we will make the Prime Minister win, and we will bring in Parvesh. Wherever the PM goes, people cheer for him. He’s giving money to widows, and we will make sure he wins.”

Dayavanti said: “We just want good things for the city. Development should be a priority for the party that wins the elections.”

Pratibha Sharma, a retired government employee, was also eager to vote. “I have always loved to vote, but my duties often conflicted with the polling day. Now that I’m retired, I voted for the development of the city. Previous governments didn’t do enough. They didn’t really prioritise the people.”

Rakhi, a voter from Laxmi Nagar, expressed her concerns over rising inflation: “No matter who you vote for, inflation rates won’t fall. The middle class and the poor just succumb to the increasing prices. I just came to cast my vote to fulfill my duty.”