Old and pure gold: ‘Here to vote for commitment we made to democracy’

Gurgaon: Senior citizens turned out in droves braving muggy weather conditions to cast their ballots in the city as Haryana went to polls on Saturday. As several of them put it, they had a "commitment to democracy" that they wanted to keep.
At Gurugram University polling booth, OP Khanna (75) said, "The election is not solely about selecting a new leader but also about reaffirming the tenets of democracy.Every vote holds significance and every voice carries weight."
The fervour among senior voters was palpable, with many articulating their aspirations for "positive transformations in the aftermath of the election".
76-year-old Vinod Alagh from Malibu Towne area chose to exercise his franchise at the polling station rather than from the comfort of his home. "I cast my vote for a pristine Gurgaon. Candidates have assured me that they will exert their utmost efforts to ensure that the city witnesses development and cleanliness in tandem," Alagh said.
Until 2 pm on Saturday, the majority of the polling stations in urban areas witnessed a sluggish pace of voting, with predominantly elderly individuals observed casting their ballots.
The voting process slightly gained momentum around the afternoon.
Paramount concerns among voters included urban development, a clean and verdant environment, mitigated pollution and enhancements to infrastructure.
Neelam Aggarwal (67), who cast her vote at the Malibu Town polling station, accentuated the need for "superior" water and air quality.
"Development is indispensable, but concurrently, the city must possess clean air and water," Aggarwal said, adding that those who have not voted should contemplate establishing a factory capable of generating gold from potatoes.
"People are not even bothered about exercising their democratic rights," she said.
Asha Kukkreja (57) from Sector 48 looked forward to "enhanced digital infrastructure" among other things. "I aspire to witness positive changes in the state. For instance, the govt must endeavour to enhance digital infrastructure and resolve issues pertaining to waterlogging and electricity bills," Kukkreja said. For numerous senior voters, casting their ballots transcended the "mere exercise of a constitutional right". They voted for the benefit of future generations as well.
Seated in a wheelchair, Neena Malhotra (79) observed that the voting process proceeded seamlessly at the polling stations in her vicinity in DLF Phase 4. "I found the voting process to be expedient and efficient. It was heartening to witness the younger generation so engrossed in the democratic process," she said.