Senior citizens turn out in large numbers in Trichy

Trichy: S Rukmini, an 82-year-old woman voter from KK Nagar falling under Trichy East Assembly constituency, was recently hospitalised and was discharged on Thursday, the polling day. The senior citizen, instead of going home directly, made a detour to a polling station in Jegan Matha School campus accompanied by her son to cast her vote. There were dozens of such senior citizens who exercised their constitutional rights amid mobility challenges.M Rathinam, a 92-year-old voter, did not use the postal voting option, but with the help of her family, the voter reached a polling station in Ettarai to cast her vote. "I have voted for MGR (late former CM M G Ramachandran)," Rathinam said. Elaborate arrangements made by the district election department, including mobilisation of wheelchairs and appointment of volunteers to guide senior citizens to their polling station, were appreciated by the aged voters. Sanitary workers and students were roped in to help. Benches and shamiana tents were provided for senior citizens to wait for their turns.