Citizens to show heat the finger

The weatherman has warned of a scorching sun as

Gujarat

votes. However, the state seems set to show the sun the finger when it comes to the biggest festival of democracy.

While political temperatures are expected to rise over the fight for the 26

Lok Sabha

seats of Gujarat, the India Meteorological Department office at Ahmedabad has warned that the city and other parts of the state will see a maximum temperature in the range of 42°C-44°C. On Monday, Kandla was the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 42.8°C while Ahmedabad was the third hottest, at 41.6°C, after Surendranagar (41.9°C).

Doing one’s democratic duty will be a driving factor despite the heat on Tuesday. In the 2014 elections, the state recorded an impressive 63.66% turnout despite the 43.2°C maximum temperature on voting day.

Some 4.51 crore voters in Gujarat are eligible to vote on Tuesday. Some citizens, like Ayyan Karmakar will travel 300km just to cast their vote.

"While I crib about the issues affecting out country, the least I can do for democracy is to cast my vote," said Karmakar who will travel from Jamnagar to Ahmedabad and would start his return journey as soon as he gets his finger inked.

Hrishikesh Bawa, a resident of Sardarnagar, makes it a point to come home for every election despite being posted outside Gujarat. "I hope the government considers the plight of professionals who have migrated out of their state for work and introduces provisions for voting remotely," he said.

City-based professionals have also benefited from the order that a day off or adequate time be given to voters to exercise the franchise. Corporate bodies and professional organizations are also motivating employees to vote. Dr M M Prabhakar, superintendent of Civil Hospital, said that like at many hospitals, the government medical fraternity will get an off on Tuesday. "Emergencies and general treatment will not be affected," he said.

Many citizens, however, complained of not receiving their voter slips for the election. Jitesh Thakar, a resident of Navrangpura, said that he waited for his voter slip till late on Monday evening.