Voting percentage beat the scorched heat on Monday in bordering Barmer district that witnessed 70.47% turnout till 6pm, highest in the state.

Amid the 44 degree temperature, voters exercised their right with enthusiasm. Elderly voters too have participated in the democracy’s biggest festival.

Udaram Jat (73) of Bola village in Barmer went to vote while holding an umbrella to protect himself from scorching heat. Jat said he had never missed to exercise his voting right. But on Monday Jat was little upset with the poll authorities. He told HT that polling official should take note of the distance while claiming that he has to travel four km to reach the polling station.

Mangal Singh (79) of Sondi village under Sheo assembly area was upset with long queues. He said he reached the polling station around at 10 o’clock but had to wait for three hours. Singh, shouting at poll officials, said they should take care of elderly people for whom there are no adequate arrangements.

Rani Devi (58) , who was waiting outside a polling booth in Bishala village, said every year she voted expecting better facilities but felt cheated. She said that they are waiting for decades for solution to drinking water and electricity crisis.

She claimed that every time politicians assured them about the permanent solution but till date situation remained the same. She said that they are exercising their voting rights hoping that one day there will be a solution to their problems. In her words, “Kam to neta karela, aapne hath me ki hai..kam karan waste vote to deno hi padsi..”

CANDIDATES VOTE

Candidates of BJP and Congress voted in Balotra town. Congress candidate Manvendra Singh voted with his family members, including mother Sheetal Kanwar, wife Chitra Singh, daughter Harishni and son Hameer Singh Rathore, at polling station number 32 at Mewanager in Balotara.

Talking to media, Manvendra said he is sure voters will surely save the self respect of Barmer-Jjaisalmer.

BJP candidate Kailash Choudhary voted with his family members at booth number 106..

After casting his vote, Choudhary alleged that fearing of defeat, Congress leaders have adopted unlawful practices. He claimed that at many places Congress leaders have threatened his polling agents. Choudhary said that he appealed the Congress leaders to avoid such unlawful activities and joined hands in building strong nation.

However, voting was almost peaceful in Barmer excluding some minor incidents.

First Published: Apr 30, 2019 11:35 IST