Delhiites want cleanliness and better roads along with potable water. These were the most important issues for a majority of voters who exercised their franchise in the MCD polls on Sunday. For Aslam Sarafarz of Pushp Vihar sector-1, condition of roads was of major concern and he also wanted the municipal corporations to accord priority to sanitation.
There were many who spoke to The Pioneer about the issues that they felt are the dominant factors in this bitterly contacted municipal elections.
Sarfaraz, working with Doordarshan as Production Assistant said that the roads are in very bad conditions in his area. “Driving on unparallel, cemented and uneven roads is very risky. There is no separate lane for the pedestrian in colonies. The political leaders or the administration never take this issue seriously,” he said.
Issues like — minimal supply of drinking water in the Central Government accommodation has propelled the residents to vote for the change.
VD Sinha, a Government employee in Ministry of Home affairs (MHA) said that besides the sanitation and sewage problems, water shortage is another issue.
“Ruling Government in Delhi has failed to provide us sufficient water. Since, water, especially clean water is basic requirement, however, our colonies are deprived from this basic need,” said Sinha who came along with his wife to cast his vote.
“Water, which is being supplied by the Government has very short span. One or two hour water supply is very less,” he added.
The polling percentage in ward 72 of Pushp Vihar area was recorded at 3 per cent till 11.45 am. The growing population in different wards of Delhi has also become another issue for the residents.
Sushmita Kotnala, a Central Government employee said that the MCD parks has been encroached by the vendors. “The park spaces are shrinking. The physical activities for growing children is must, however, Delhi is turning into a slum capital. We afraid of illegal activities running in parks,” said Kotnala.
While young voters appeared disinterested during municipal polling in posh colonies of South Delhi, on the other side, senior citizens showed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bholi Devi, 90 from ward 68, Mehrauli said that she is casting her vote to thanks the Government for easing of lPG connection. While poll percentage was calculated low in South Delhi, ward 68 has observed enormous voters.
Significantly, the total number of voter till 1.45 pm was 4,354 including 1,693 female voters. Hauz Khas, Vasant Kunj, Adhchini Village and other wards of south Delhi, senior citizen thronged at the polling station. As per the booth level officer in Hauz Khas area, senior citizens have voted more than any other segment.
Meanwhile, Voters in Saket J-Block were confused on the absence of “lotus” symbol in EVM machine. Although lata Soni, BJP candidate was contesting from lado Sarai with her old symbol “Elephant” but voters were not informed and that led to votes casting their vote randomly.