Elderly voters brave Vijayawada’s blistering heat to cast ballots

Vijayawada braced for scorching heat on polling day, yet elderly voters braved the sun to exercise their voting rights. With temperatures soaring to 33 degrees Celsius, the city's Second Ordinary Elections to Urban Local Bodies proceeded as planned. Assisted by NSS volunteers and family members, many elderly persons made their way to polling stations in the city.

At Andhra Loyola College, an 80-year-old woman named B. Sarojini braved the sizzling heat, walking the 500 meters from her home to the booth. Her children had abandoned her, and she survives on a ₹4,000 monthly old-age pension. Another 68-year-old woman, Sheik Aktarunneesa, came to vote via share auto from One Town, around 5 km away.

She had lost both her elder and younger sons, and is deserted by her daughter-in-law and three daughters. Her daughter's pension is her sole source of income, which she uses to support her daughter as well.