Voice of Voters: ‘Need Better Medical And Education Facilities in Himachal’

| Updated: 12 November, 2022 8:44 pm IST

Voters came out in large numbers to exercise their adult franchise today in Himachal Pradesh. The New Indian team caught up with them outside polling booths to understand what issues they are going to cast their votes on.

Anuj Goel from Shimla Urban constituency told The New Indian‘s Assistant Editor Urvashi Khona, “There are several issues but in Shimla the most important are Education and Medical facilities. Also, development has been slow. The state hasn’t been given enough funds.”

The New Indian also spoke to several senior citizens who woke up early to cast their vote. Elderly voters in Himachal braved chilly weathers to cast their votes.

“There are so many countries where people don’t have the right to choose their government. When we have this right, why not use it?,” said 83-year old Raj Gulati.

His wife Shelley Goel said, “Even now people of Shimla have to rush to Delhi or Chandigarh for quality medical facilities.”

The people of Himachal have always voted out incumbent governments. This trend is popularly known as “riwaz”.

It is still difficult to say whether the Jai Ram Thakur led BJP government in the hill state will be able to end the “riwaz”.

The Congress’ big poll promises include the restoration of Old Pension Scheme and Rs 1500 for women between 18-60.

“The OPS will be restored. This is for the employees and people of the state. The officials who had worked for the state and played a role in development of the state will be provided the OPS as it will be a part of social security. And when the Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan governments can ensure the implementation of the OPS, then Himachal can also do the same,” said Congress leader and  The three-time MLA from the Nadaun constituency Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

CM Thakur said that these are all empty promises because there is no chance that they will win the elections.

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