Jaipur, Dec 1 (IANS) Some of the candidates in Rajasthan began the voting day Sunday by visiting temples. Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, wearing a saree with the BJP colours, went to a Hanuman temple in Jhalawar district before casting her vote. Some candidates performed “havans”.
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Polling day turned into a near festive occasion in Rajasthan. Many voters were in their traditional and colourful dresses. Some came out in new clothes!
“I always buy new clothes when I vote. This time I bought this kurta,” said a proud Shahnawa, an 80-year-old from Jaipur’s Walled City area.
In some villages, women in traditional outfits sang songs and danced on their way to polling centres. “It is like a festival for us,” said Hira Meena of Shivdaspura near here.
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A bridegroom in wedding regalia came to a polling booth in a village near Merta city immediately after balloting opened at 8 a.m. “I will now go for my wedding. I want to tell people how important it is to vote,” said Piyush.
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For some people, however, the polling day was a holiday — to relax and watch movies. Cinema theatres across the state reported heavy crowds.
“I am here with my friends to watch a movie. I did not go to vote. I am not interested in these politicians,” said Niharika, a 19-year-old college student.
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Two brothers fought over who will vote first in Devalia village near Nasirabad in Ajmer district. Police had to separate the siblings.
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Enthusiasm to vote was so high among the elderly that a 95-year-old woman was brought to the polling booth on a cot by her relatives in Sanganer village.
“I do not want to miss the opportunity to vote. Though I am not feeling well, I asked my sons to take me,” said the old woman.
Another 102-year-old woman was similarly ferried in Jaipur.
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Electronic voting machines developed snags in various places including Ajmer and Kota. In the process, voting started after a two hour delay in Jodhpur district’s Shergarh village.