Centenarian freedom fighter GG Parikh votes in Mumbai

GG Parikh/Anurag Ahire

Dr GG Parikh, a centenarian independence warrior who has been voting since India's first general elections in 1951-52, voted in the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat during Maharashtra's fifth and final phase of elections on Monday.

Despite the Election Commission of India's (ECI) option for home voting for senior individuals over 75, the wheelchair-bound Parikh (100) went to the polling station at Girton High School on Grant Road. Parikh, accompanied by social activists and his maid, arrived at the polling station at 10:30 am, reported PTI.

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Centenarian freedom fighter GG Parikh told PTI that he was disappointed with the country's current status, which contrasted with the dreams he had during the fight for freedom.

"There is a feeling of disappointment, and I feel that I and people of my age, who sacrificed for the country's freedom, should not have done so," the Gandhian said.

Despite this, Centenarian freedom fighter GG Parikh is hopeful that his vote will result in change, believing that the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings implies that those in power since 2014 will not continue, the report added.

Parikh engaged in the freedom struggle, particularly in the Samyukta Maharashtra and Goa liberation movements. He was imprisoned for 10 months during the Quit India movement and arrested during the Emergency. Parikh, the chairman and creator of the Yusuf Meherally Centre in Raigad, will turn 100 on December 30, 2023.

Slow pace of voting in Mumbai

According to poll officials, an average voter turnout of 38.77 per cent was reported until 3 pm on Monday in 13 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra as voting began for the state's fifth and final phase of general elections.

Among the 13 constituencies, Bhiwandi polled 37.06 per cent, Dhule 39.97 per cent, Dindori 45.95 per cent, Kalyan 32.43 per cent, Mumbai North 39.33 per cent, Mumbai North Central 37.66 per cent, Mumbai North East 39.15 per cent, Mumbai North West 39.91 per cent, Mumbai South 36.64 per cent, Mumbai South Central 38.77 per cent, Nashik 39.41 per cent, Palghar 42.48 per cent, and Thane 36.07 per cent.

The pace of voting in Mumbai has been a cause of concern and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaking on it said that he had requested Election Commission to look into the complaints.

Polling has been underway from 7 am in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, including six in Mumbai, and will continue till 6 pm.