Nagrota votes for continuity in development, seeks better amenities

Jammu, Nov 11: ‘Bijli’, ‘Paani’, ‘Sadak’, unemployment and continuity in development weighed on the minds of the electorate as they exercised their right of franchise in the by-election for Nagrota assembly segment on Tuesday.

87-year-old Savitri Devi, in a wheel-chair, had come to vote in the polling station at PM Shri Government Boys High School Kandoli Nagrota.

“I’ve voted for better basic amenities for which we have waited all along. I want that our children should have employment opportunities,” she said, responding to the queries of media persons, who surrounded her as soon as she came out, after casting her vote.

Asha Sharma, 37 and her husband Sudesh Kumar, 45, wanted continuity in development.

For Nisha, 40; Santosh, 60, Rakhi 38 and Meena Devi, 55, - all residents of Hanuman Gali, road, water and power were the main concerns.

“Roads are in dilapidated condition. Pipes have been laid however the water has not reached us yet,” they share.

Ashish Kumar, 64, dissatisfied with the pace of development, came to “vote for change.”

Prof Vijay Dev Singh, 70, was appreciative of the performance of the former MLA on the development front. “Given his demise, the works could not be completed. Present candidate has been working here for the last 11 months, I’m confident that the pace of development will pick up momentum, if she gets elected. Yes, unemployment is a major concern,” he points out.

Rajni Kant, 58, a specially-abled person, voted to see his Nagrota constituency marching forward as a developed segment.

Gafoor Ahmad, 38, a labourer, who voted in a polling station set up in Government High School Katal Batal, was enraged.

“Every time I voted, the candidates promised to construct the road which leads to my house. But the road is still strewn with potholes. There is no change,” he shares his agony.

Still, he came to vote. “Yes, hope lingers on. I believe this time, the candidate will deliver.”

Hafeez Mohd, 20, a second time voter, exercised his right of franchise for development – good roads and regular water and power supply besides employment.

Diksha Sharma, 18, first time voter, feels that the opportunities for general category candidates are shrinking day by day.

“This makes me disappointed. Even if we have to avail loans, it is a herculean task for us,” she points out. Her mother Neelam Sharma, 50, echoes her point.

Bindu Devi, 28 and Chanchlo Devi, 44, come out with an interesting proposition. “We don’t have any hopes. But we did not want to waste our votes hence we are here,” they maintain.