Punjab on Sunday virtually celebrated the great Indian festival of democracy by turning the state assembly elections into more of a voting fair.
The voters — old and young were honoured, greeted by the bhangra and giddha dancers welcoming them dancing on the dhol beats with phulkari spread over their heads. Apart from minimum basic facilities like wheelchairs, ramps, drinking water facilities, the voters were also provided waiting lounges with LCDs, kids play areas with LCDs showing cartoons, food corner, Verka stalls, and much more in the state’s nearly 1200 model polling stations in all
districts.
Being conducted amidst the COVID scare, the voters were also provided masks, gloves, and sanitizers. Also, at some of the booths, tilak was applied on the forehand of voters on entrance and offered dry fruits.
In all, the election commission has set up 1196 model polling stations, besides 196 all-women managed polling stations, known as Pink Booths, where the entire staff — from security to polling — is women. Besides, 70 polling stations were PwD-managed — where every staff member is a person with disability (PwD).
The polling booths were decorated with flowers, ribbons, balloons; tents were set up; dhols and even live music bands were also organized at some — providing a festival-like atmosphere in the entire state.
The election authorities have made special arrangements for the elderly and differently-abled voters at the polling booths, even though the 80-plus voters, COVID positives, and those with disabilities were given the option to cast a postal ballot. However, the authorities concerned have also made arrangements for auto rickshaws and minivans for the voters. Wheelchairs were also made available right from the gate of the polling booth to the room.
At many places, the old voters were welcomed by giving flowers. Young girls and volunteers were seen escorting the elderly women voters by holding phulkari over their heads—similar to the way a bride is accompanied on her wedding day. Battery vehicles were also arranged at some booths.
As the people had to stand in the queue waiting for their turn to cast vote, their children were seen enjoying in the play areas, where small chairs, garden toys, and rides were made available.
Jalandhar’s Hansraj Mahavidyalaya has been made a supermodel polling booth. At the same time, a polling booth has also been built in Patiala’s Playway Senior Secondary School.