Tearful tale of elderly woman ‘voter’ exposes reality of Modi’s sham polls
Srinagar: In what exposes the reality of the so-called assembly elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a 75-year-old woman’s emotional appeal for her son’s release from jail has captured the hearts of all and sundry during the voting for final phase of sham polls at Sagipora in Rafiabad area of Baramulla district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Bibi Begum, who came to the polling station with the sole plea to demand her son’s release, tearfully shared her story of struggle and hardship. Begum’s son has been imprisoned for three years, and she has been left to care for her paralyzed son and another who struggles to make ends meet as a laborer.
With impaired vision and no one to advocate for her son’s release, Begum pleaded with ‘voters’, who are also victims, to help bring her son home. “I voted today so that my voice is heard, and my son can be freed,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “I have no means, no one to help me. I just want my son back.”
Narendra Modi may claim success in holding elections in the occupied territory, but Begum’s words expose the reality of these sham elections.
Begum’s story resonated with other people in Kashmir, who are seeking redressal of worries amid economic hardships, rising unemployment, and unfulfilled promises. Many expressed frustration over soaring power tariffs, inadequate basic amenities, and the lack of job opportunities.
“I’m voting to end these economic hardships,” said Ghulam Qadir, a 45-year-old shopkeeper from Sopore. “The power bills are crippling us, and we need change.”
Young people also echoed concerns about unemployment and the widening gap between promises and reality. “We have degrees, but no jobs,” said Fay az Ahmed Khoja, 27, from Langate.
