PUNE: True to its spirit, the city, the Pensioner’s Paradise, saw maximum voting by senior citizens from all 11 constituencies of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The senior citizens came out in large numbers to vote and said that they believe in democracy. They said voting is our right and we must use it. Golwalkar Guruji Secondary & Higher Secondary School in Aundh witnessed the maximum flow of senior citizens with they making a beeline outside the school since 6.30 am.
Vijay Bapat (78), resident of Wanawadi, said, “I voted for good governance and better government. It’s sad to see that there was a low turnout of young voters and this apathy was extremely disappointing. Despite being a senior citizen, I have come to vote. I think youths should come out and vote.”
Jaybai Bansode (70), a senior citizen who voted from Vishrantwadi in Vadgaon Sheri constituency, said she has been voting for a long time. But this time she has cast her vote for better opportunities for the young people, affordable healthcare and education for the younger persons for her family.
Prabhakar Lele (85), who cast his vote at Global Indian International School (GIIS) said, “I have seen the transformation from Gram Panchayat to corporation level. The progress has been good over these years. I voted for further development. Be it any party or politician, of course they take some money but most of them have done good work in Chinchwad.”
Vasant (81) and Vaishali (74) Tapasvi of Kothrud constituency said, “We have come all the way from Pimple-Saudagar to vote in Kothrud, where we have lived for most of our lives. We have not missed voting even a single time until now. With age, it gets difficult to travel and to vote, but we did not want to miss as it’s our right. I know candidacy in Kothrud has been controversial. But in State polls, it’s the party that is more important than the person. So we voted for the party that we wanted to.”
Uma Gokhale (75), Navi Sangvi who’s a retired nurse, said, “I’ve never missed the opportunity to vote. I’m voting with the hope that the law and order situation in the state stays peaceful. Similarly, the healthcare should be equal to one and all. I feel that life must be peaceful.”
