Excelsior Correspondent
Pulwama, Sept 18: Women who came out to vote today across various areas of South Kashmir emphasized the need for better access to civic amenities, a reduction in electricity charges, and the availability of clean drinking water.
For women, especially those managing households, these issues are of particular importance. They stressed that what they sought during the Lok Sabha elections remains unresolved in the Assembly elections.
“We have inflated power bills and limited access to potable drinking water. The resolution of these issues is all I want. I have trusted the person I voted for; let’s see what he will do now,” said Saja, a voter from Murran.
Although fewer in number than men, women were seen throughout the day walking in groups to polling stations to cast their votes. Some were meticulous enough to carry their voter slips, while others, who hadn’t received slips, brought their voter IDs.
Rafiqa, from Rajpora, also called for solutions to everyday problems, noting that addressing them is crucial for improving people’s lives.
“These candidates, especially the ones who win, must keep this in mind and work to make life easier for people. They came to us, promising many things. We’ve done our part; now it’s up to them,” she said.
Nusrat, a young woman in her late twenties from Murran, expressed the need for better healthcare, urging those elected to focus on hygiene as well.
“Access to healthcare is a priority, and I voted with that in mind. Additionally, we want our road to be macadamized because we face issues transporting our horticultural produce,” she said.
Excelsior also observed a significant number of elderly women voters arriving at polling stations, assisted by family members, to cast their votes. Some were even seen making their way to the polling booth in wheelchairs.
It is worth noting that when Excelsior spoke to voters during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, women had similarly demanded the resolution of these issues.
In Tral, women voters cast their ballots with the hope of gaining better civic facilities, especially healthcare. “We are in dire need of upgraded healthcare services and improved roads. Our men have tried, but to no avail,” a group of women said after voting.
As Phase-I polling ended across 16 Assembly constituencies in Kashmir, the dominant sentiment, especially among women voters, was one of hope-similar to the Lok Sabha elections-that the winning candidates would work towards the betterment of the people, particularly womenfolk.
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