Voters set politics aside, turn polling booths into social hubs

Srinagar, Sep 25: On Wednesday, polling booths at various locations in Srinagar district turned into an unexpected social gathering for elderly and young residents as they assembled outside the premises of polling booths to share moments together and light-hearted discussions about politics.

Setting aside their political and party affiliations, neighbours who are often busy with their day-to-day routines found the occasion a rare opportunity to meet, bond, and engage in spirited debates about the political scenario in Kashmir.

Outside polling stations across the city, laughter, giggles, and teasing echoed as voters, young and old, mingled and teased each other about their loyalty to their favoured political parties.

Outside a polling booth at Rajbagh, the routine voting process transformed into a lively social event, with residents engaging in discussions on the changing political dynamics in the region.

A young voter playfully teased an elderly neighbour: “During your time, the local mohalla president would decide who to vote for and you would follow him blindly. Now we, the youth, weigh our candidates carefully and only vote for the one we believe can meet our expectations.”

The elderly man responded with a smile: “We follow parties, not candidates. For us, it is the party that matters, not the individual.”

Similar conversations were seen outside polling stations across Srinagar, with neighbours discussing the evolution of politics. Young voters emphasised how the political landscape has shifted, with more youth participation and an increased emphasis on evaluating candidates, while older voters defended their traditional party loyalties.

In Mehjoor Nagar, a young voter, sitting with friends outside the polling booth, said that in terms of development, their area has seen progress.

“After the 2014 floods, all our lanes and link roads were macadamised,” he said.

The playful atmosphere outside the polling booths also saw some lighthearted moments of joking.

Voters exiting the booths were often teased for allegedly switching allegiances while casting their ballots.

“I know you promised candidate X two days ago, but you voted for candidate Y inside the booth. You should not switch sides,” one young voter humorously shouted at his friend, causing laughter among the group.

Despite the happy mood, some serious concerns were raised during these unprepared gatherings.

Elderly voters voiced their concerns about the behaviour of candidates after winning the election.

“They all are faces of the same coin, but it is our compulsion to vote because wasting a vote is not an option,” an elderly resident said.

To this, a young voter countered: “The candidate I voted for never closes his doors to anyone, whether he is in power or not. He treats even those who do not vote for him with respect.”

The discussions continued late into the afternoon until Police vehicles arrived, and the officers reminded voters to disperse if they had cast their votes.

“Avoid gathering outside polling booths. If you have cast your vote, go home,” an officer advised.