Kalpa (Himachal Pradesh), April 9 (IANS) He is a voter like none other. Shyam Saran Negi, 97, one of the oldest voters in India and a believer in democracy since 1951, has never abstained from voting and advises people to cast vote for "those candidates who can generate jobs and provide essential services".
Negi, whose musical video appeal posted by Google India under its Pledge To Vote campaign is quite a hit, said there is a seachange in the country's politics.
"We should vote only for those candidates who can generate jobs and provide basic essential services like clean drinking water, electricity, education, healthcare and infrastructure like good roads and public transport," Negi, who is settled in this picturesque village in Kinnaur district, told IANS Tuesday.
But Negi and his wife Hira Mani, 91, refuse to reveal to which party they are going to vote. "This is something personal. We have yet to make up our mind," say the elderly couple.
But throughout their life the couple have never abstained from voting.
"I have exercised my right to franchise in every election, be it general, state assembly or panchayat. One should not refrain from voting even if the weather is hostile or your health is not perfect. Now you have NOTA (None of the Above) option too," added Negi, eagerly awaiting the polling day in Himachal Pradesh May 7.
Retired as a junior basic teacher from a government school in 1975, Negi was among the first to vote in independent India's first Lok Sabha battle in October 1951 in the Chini constituency - later renamed Kinnaur.
At that time, balloting in the snow-bound area was held ahead of other places in the state and the country.
Kalpa village is part of the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, which includes Kullu and Mandi and parts of Chamba and Shimla districts besides the tribal-dominated Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti. Their village is at an altitude of 10,000 feet and some 275 km from the state capital.
The Congress has pitted two-time MP Pratibha Singh, wife of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ram Swaroop Sharma from the Mandi constituency.
Lying on a cot in his house, Negi said: "Today's politicians are sheer wasting precious time of Parliament by preferring to create ruckus inside the house. We should send only those people who can spare time for serious discussions in Parliament and have some vision besides his or her allegiance."
He is impressed with BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.
"Modi is not only a 'vikas purush' or a development-oriented man but also a 'loh purush' or an ironman," Negi told IANS.
He said in his personal opinion if Modi is voted to power he would steer the country towards development and get rid of corruption which has reached alarming proportions.
"From the first Lok Sabha election, to this one (16th), there is a tremendous development in the country. But the corruption is making the country hollow," he said.
"At this point in time we need a man with 'loh purush' qualities to eliminate corruption," he said.
The fear of vaccination increased corona: Expert said - responsible for this condition of not getting vaccinated even when given the chance, he took away the right to better treatment of other patients.
The number of deaths from corona in the country has crossed 2 lakh. According to government statistics, now more than 3 thousand people are losing their lives every day. However, according to reports
The issue of vandalism of Hindu temples was raised in the Parliament of Canada, the MP said - 'Hinduphobia is spreading in the country'
Canada Vandalism of Hindu Temples Gauri Shankar Temple, a prominent Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada was attacked recently. Pro-Khalistan slogans were also written after the vandalism in the temple.
India does not recognize the international court whose decision Pakistan was boasting about; what is the whole matter?
Pakistan has welcomed the decision of the International Court of Arbitration, Permanent Court of Arbitration. It has interpreted the design criteria for new run-of-river hydropower projects to be
Save Braj Bhasha from extinction, demand scholars, artistes
Mathura, Feb 17 (IANS) Under a combined onslaught of Hindi and English, the popular local dialect Braj Bhasha, identified with Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha, is facing extinction.Lovers of
Did Tanya Mittal perform black magic on this contestant? The evicted contestant claims, "She took my photo..."
Tanya Mittal, who made headlines in the controversial reality show Bigg Boss Season 19, has been accused of practicing witchcraft in the house. Yes, this accusation has been made by none other than a
Uttarkashi is boiling in the 'fire' of Love Jihad, Muslim traders in fear of the Mahapanchayat of June 15.
Love Jihad in Uttarkashi: The cases of Love Jihad have raised concern in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is also keeping a constant watch on this. In the last five months, about 46
Ranveer Singh: Ranveer Singh will create a stir at the box office by becoming 'Shaktimaan', knowing when the shooting of this film will start.
Actor Ranveer Singh, who started his career under the Yash Raj banner, is one of the hit stars of Bollywood today. He has given many hit films. In the coming days, he will be seen playing an important
'PM Modi is afraid of Trump': Rahul attacks PM over US President's claim about Russian oil purchases
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again launched a scathing attack on PM Modi, accusing him of being afraid of US President Donald Trump. In a post shared on social media, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "PM
Flu panic in Kremlin: British media claims – Putin hiding in a bunker; Russian President claims to have cancer
Flu is spreading in Russia these days. It is considered dangerous for the elderly and already sick people. According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hiding in a military bunker
Karnataka: Controversy over announcement of Ganesh puja at Idgah ground, SC hearing in a while, 1600 policemen present
A big controversy has arisen over the permission of Ganesh Puja at Idgah ground in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. According to the latest information, a large number of police have been deployed
