In a heartwarming display of civic duty and commitment, veteran actress Shubha Khote, who is in her 80s, arrived at a polling booth in Mumbai early Monday morning to cast her vote in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Ignoring the ease of home-voting, Shubha Khote braved the early morning bustle and arrived at the polling station with a single, clear aim: to inspire fellow citizens to exercise their democratic right.
Addressing the media immediately after casting her vote, the 86-year-old shared her motivations. “I have voted for the right candidate. I did not opt for home-voting and voted here so that people get inspired and come out and vote,” stated Khote, her voice tinged with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Her candid declaration was swiftly picked up by news agencies, and a video of her statement shared on Twitter soon garnered widespread acclaim. Many users praised her commitment and fabulous spirit, hailing her as a role model in civic engagement.
Shubha Khote is not just any citizen but a seasoned actress known for her versatile roles in beloved films and TV shows such as “Junoon”, “Zabaan Sambhal Ke”, and “Andaaz”. Over her remarkable career spanning nearly 70 years, she has graced both Hindi and Marathi cinema and television with her acting prowess. Her most recent appearance was in the 2022 film “Double XL”.
The Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai kicked off in earnest today, with six constituencies — Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central — opening their polling booths to voters. Alongside these, the fifth phase of voting also commenced in several other constituencies of Maharashtra, including Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane. Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, holds the second-largest number of seats after Uttar Pradesh.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, stretching from April 19 to June 1. With an extensive electorate, the fifth phase alone sees over 8.95 crore voters participating. This segment of the electorate includes 4.
.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5,409 third-gender electors. These voters will be determining the fate of 695 candidates. The election began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM, ensuring that all eligible voters in line by the closing time are allowed to cast their votes. The counting of votes and the subsequent declaration of results are scheduled for June 4.
Shubha Khote’s appearance at the polling booth served as a poignant reminder of the importance of civic engagement. Her decision to vote in person, despite her advanced age, symbolizes the power of individual action and its ability to inspire others. In an age where voter apathy is a growing concern, especially among the younger generations, her actions send a powerful message about the necessity and privilege of voting.
Election officials and political analysts alike have commended such acts of commitment from citizens. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also taken several measures to facilitate and encourage voter turnout, including setting up accessible polling stations and providing home-voting facilities for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals. However, the symbolic power of physically going to the polling booth, as demonstrated by Khote, cannot be understated.
The national discourse around elections often centers on political campaigns, candidates, and party policies, but moments like these shift the spotlight to the electorate — the bedrock of any democratic process. Shubha Khote’s action serves as a beacon of civic virtue, encouraging every eligible voter to not only recognize their electoral rights but also actively participate in the democratic process.
With the Lok Sabha elections determining the future direction of the country, every vote counts. Scenes such as Shubha Khote casting her vote provide a heartening glimpse into the democratic spirit that sustains India, resonating particularly at a time when global democracies are grappling with challenges of engagement and participation.
In conclusion, Shubha Khote’s inspiring presence at the Mumbai polling booth underscores a timeless truth: democracy thrives through active participation. Her gesture is a powerful call to action for all citizens to fulfill their civic duties with dedication and integrity.
