Voters showing their ink-marked finger after casting their vote at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya in Kalkaji on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Rising prices, unemployment, air pollution, and better infrastructure were on top of Delhi voters’ minds when they stepped out to vote on Wednesday.
However, the issues varied across regions and social structures. While voters in affluent areas were concerned about air pollution and parties failing to raise it during the poll campaign, the key issue was basic amenities for people in unauthorised colonies.
In south-east Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, 32-year-old Parveen Bibi, who works as a cook, told The Hindu that inflation is affecting many like her, and she voted for a party that could bring her relief. “With each passing day, food items are getting pricier. We have to hide from our teenage kids that there is a food shortage in the house because of the price rise,” said Ms. Bibi.
Ajijun Nisha, a 60-year-old resident of Matia Mahal near Chandni Chowk, echoed similar sentiments. “Inflation is the biggest concern for women; cylinders and ration have become very expensive,” she said.
But for many young voters, employment was in their minds while voting.
Job opportunities
Aditi Singh, a 22-year-old resident of Kalkaji, said her master’s degree was ending, and she was afraid of a job market crisis. “Having seen so many people taking up gig work despite having a good education, I’m scared to face the job market in the city,” said Ms Singh.
Sunaina, an 18-year-old first-time voter in the New Delhi constituency and a BSc student, said she voted for access to scholarships and better education facilities. “Issues concerning students, such as scholarships and welfare schemes, are important for me as I don’t want to be a burden on my family,” she said.
Crumbling infra
Another key issue on the minds of the voters was the city’s infrastructure. For 40-year-old Anita, a sanitation worker who voted from the Chandni Chowk constituency, better housing and roads were of prime importance. “We live in a kutcha house, and when it rains, the roof leaks,” said Ms. Anita.
Shiv Devi, a 70-year-old voter from New Ashok Nagar, said she voted for better water supply and improved drainage. “The water we get from the tap is so dirty that it smells, and we are forced to buy bottled water,” she rued.
Many voters stepping out of their houses in the upscale localities complained about how air pollution was left out of the conversation ahead of the polls. Kamal Mitra, a 73-year-old resident of Vasant Kunj, said it is a shame that air pollution in a city like Delhi was not a political issue during elections. “For old people like us, even after the pandemic, we are having to wear masks almost all year round. Why did the parties not consider it their priority?” he asked.
Similarly, voters expressed their dismay over the lack of conversation about women’s safety. Shabina Jahan, a 42-year-old voter from the Matia Mahal constituency, said, “My daughter is studying in Class 11. I am worried about what she will do after Class 12 as Delhi is unsafe, and women’s safety is what matters most to me.”
Having similar concerns, Pushpa Jethani, a 79-year-old voter from Vasant Kunj, said “It is depressing to see that all three major parties have put forward such few women as their candidates, despite so many women voters and rising concerns over women’s safety.”
Published – February 06, 2025 01:50 am IST