AMIDST the third phase of Lok Sabha General Elections-2024, a palpable enthusiasm was evident among the voters who thronged the respective polling booths as early as 5 am to exercise their franchise. Collector Ajit Vasant, accompanied by his wife Dr Rupal Thakur, arrived at Rampur PWD Model Polling Station No-127 in the Korba urban area to cast their votes, setting an encouraging example for others. Engaging with the voters present, he appealed them to participate in the democratic process. Interacting with the Presiding Officer, Collector Vasant inquired about the preparedness for the voting process, overseeing the arrangements at Polling Stations 126 and 127 within the school premises. Simultaneously, other dignitaries like Superintendent of Police Siddharth Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat Sambit Mishra and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Pratishtha Mamgai exercised their voting rights at the Model Polling Centre.

 

The officials, including the Collector, utilised the selfie booth set up at the centre to encourage the general public to vote, capturing moments of civic engagement. The involvement of school students, voter assistants, scouts and guides was pivotal in facilitating the voting process for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. Assisting them to the polling booth and providing necessary amenities like drinking water, they ensured the participation of every eligible voter. At Sonpari polling station, adorned with vibrant decorations symbolizing wildlife and environmental conservation, voters adorned animal costumes and posed post-voting. Essential amenities such as shade, drinking water, medical assistance and wheelchair accessibility were provided, along with entertainment options for children. First-time voter Kiran Chauhan expressed her excitement, emphasizing voting as both a fundamental right and a moral obligation.

 

Encouraging everyone to prioritize voting, she called for collective civic responsibility. Despite the fervour surrounding voting, glitches were reported from Salihabhatha and Rugbahri. The EVM machine malfunctioned twice at Gram Panchayat Salihabhata Booth Number 162, causing delays, while polling at booth number 56 of village Rugbahri commenced late due to technical issues. Both incidents were swiftly resolved, albeit causing an hour's interruption in voting. In rural areas, the administration ensured the provision of necessary facilities at all polling centers, including shades, drinking water, and assistance for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. Transport arrangements were made for voters from forested areas, such as Bhoodupani and Kodwari, in elephant-affected villages under the Katghora forest division, ensuring their safe journey to the Madai polling station located 4 km away. The Forest Department supervised their transportation to ensure their safety.