Kolhapur's Elderly Voters Make Their Voices Heard
Senior citizens in Kolhapur showed remarkable determination today. They turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the morning hours. This happened despite widespread civic apathy and a clear neglect of their concerns by political parties during the campaign season. Many expressed frustration that their pressing issues had been totally ignored.
Local Issues Take Center Stage
For these elderly residents, local civic problems remain the top priority. They highlighted critical areas needing immediate attention. These include the condition of roads, drainage systems, public gardens, and reliable water supply. Patrick and Lucy Borges, aged 82 and 73 respectively, shared their experience after voting at the Kolhapur ZP building's polling booth.
The couple voiced strong complaints about the lack of basic services. "The corporators should actually work. Roads in our locality have deteriorated badly. There is no cleanliness at all. The drains are not cleaned regularly. The mukadams or contractors simply do not show up when we need cleanliness work done," they said emphatically.
Logistical Hurdles and Election Management
Senior citizens also expressed significant displeasure with how the election was managed. Many reported that their assigned polling booths had been relocated without proper notice. In numerous cases, this meant they had to walk a considerable distance to find the correct voting location.
One elderly voter explained the inconvenience. "Last time, the booth was just a few metres from my house. Now I had to search for the address mentioned on my voting slip. It was quite a struggle," they recounted.
A Vote for Collective Development
Anil and Anuradha Deshpande, an elderly couple from Nagala Park, shared their voting philosophy. They said they had cast their votes specifically for development. They want civic services that benefit the entire community, not just select groups.
"We have voted for genuine development. The fruits of any development should reach everyone equally. If we demand anything just for ourselves, the younger generations might call us selfish. Therefore, we strongly want civic services that work for all residents," Anil Deshpande stated clearly.
Personal Struggles with Infrastructure
Anuradha Deshpande highlighted how vision issues make daily life hazardous. She finds it difficult to see potholes and navigate bumpy roads. This has led to dangerous situations.
"I fell twice along the very same road I used to come for voting today. The auto-tipper vehicles for waste collection never come to our doorstep. How is an elderly couple supposed to walk far just to dump household waste? We live on the second floor and there is no lift. The corporation should at least place bins near our apartments. That is the minimum they can do," Anuradha explained with visible frustration.
The strong turnout from Kolhapur's senior citizens sends a clear message. They are tired of neglect and demand tangible improvements in civic amenities. Their votes emphasize a collective desire for better infrastructure and responsive local governance.
