Surge in Pune's turnout

FESTIVAL OF DEMOCRACY | From centenarians to students, enthusiastic voters helped increase turnout vis-a-vis 2019 Maharashtra Assembly polls

Voters from diverse age groups and different sections of society turned out in large numbers in Pune city on Wednesday to exercise their franchise in the Maharashtra assembly elections. From centenarians like 100-year-old Madhavi Tikhe, a retired nurse who preferred to walk to a polling station in Kothrud with the help of her family, to young, differently abled individuals like Tanvi Doke, who arrived in a wheelchair at a booth in Mayur Colony, the spirit of democracy was on full display.

While Tikhe encouraged young electors with a simple yet powerful message, "Go and vote," Doke exemplified determination as she actively participated in polling with the support of her parents and set an example for others. Keshav Joshi, the son-in-law of Tikhe, said they first wanted to avail the vote-from-home facility. "But as the date to fill up the necessary form passed, my mother-in-law decided to come to the polling station and cast her vote," said Joshi.