Centenarian Tripura woman casts vote at home

AGARTALA: A centenarian lady from the Badharghat area of the city, Jyotsna Das, cast her vote at home on Wednesday as an electorate of the West parliamentary constituency.

Otherwise fit, Jyotsna pressed the EVM at a polling station until last year's assembly elections, although the Election Commission of India had arranged voting for those over 85 years old and physically challenged voters, said a poll official overseeing the home voting process.

“Recently, I became physically weak and lost mobility. I thought I would not be able to exercise my franchise anymore, but my son, with the help of local officials, facilitated my secure voting at my home. I don’t believe I will be able to vote next time,” Jyotsana told the press after voting.

The two-day long home voting for those aged 85 and above commenced on Wednesday, with Jyotsna among the first to participate. Expressing her satisfaction with the ease of the process, she highlighted the significance of being able to vote from the comfort of her home.

Dr. Vishal Kumar, the Returning Officer of the West Parliamentary Constituency, said that this initiative caters to individuals above 85 years of age, persons with disabilities, suspected Covid-19 sufferers, and those infected with Covid-19 who opted for postal ballots using Form 12D. Approximately 4,500 voters have chosen the home voting option in the constituency.

Under the directive, each polling sector has been assigned a dedicated sector officer to oversee the process, he stated, adding a comprehensive team was mobilized including a micro observer, polling officers, a videographer, and security personnel to ensure the smooth execution of door-to-door polling.