Delhi’s one big family: Kinship to fore on voting day

NEW DELHI: For many, election day was more than about casting their vote and participating in the democratic process — it was an occasion for togetherness and a chance to spend time with their loved ones. From elderly parents guided by their children to toddlers getting symbolic ink marks, voting became a family affair spanning generations.
In east Delhi's Trilokpuri, Nandkishor (40) and his wife Ashi (34) arrived at a polling booth with their six children and some neighbourhood kids. "We plan to visit my mother's house after voting. The children are excited as we will get to spend some time with them," said Ashi.

Many families saw voting as a way to secure a better future for their children. Sanjay, a driver, was at a booth near ITO with his children. "We have come here to vote for our children's welfare, for the future generations," he said.
Lamenting the lack of job opportunities despite his daughters having completed their studies, Sanjay said, "There are no vacancies. I am still the only one earning." His wife added, "There are so many expenses — education, groceries. When the children become independent, we will be relieved."
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For some, voting day was a long-standing tradition. Harmanpreet (42) arrived at the Yamuna Vihar polling station with his elderly parents, aged 72 and 74. His 15-year-old son tagged along to observe. "We always come together to vote," said Harmanpreet.
His father, despite growing disillusionment with politics, said, "We always think we won't vote, but somehow, we end up standing in this queue every time. The hope never dies."
In Rohini Sector 9, the Suri family — spanning three generations — arrived at the polling booth together to vote. Amita Suri (63), despite using a walking stick, refused a wheelchair and insisted on participating in the process.
"Everyone should come out to vote and exercise their right," said her son Antariksh. Their decision, the family said, was based on the candidate rather than party allegiance.
Ankit Jain (38) and his wife Anchal (35), who arrived at a polling station in Civil Lines with their four-and-a-half-year-old twins Aria and Arjun, said their main concern was the city's worsening pollution. "Our children are young and we are very worried about their future," said Ankit.
In a symbolic gesture, polling officials applied ink to the twins' fingers, turning the moment into a lesson in civic duty.
Most families were united in their concerns — pollution, jobs, safety, education and basic infrastructure. For Nikunj and Deepti Singhania, who voted along with their 23-year-old daughter Kopal in Gujranwala Town, the election was about demanding change. "Air pollution has made living in Delhi a major challenge. There is no cleanliness, and roads are not repaired on time," Nikunj said.
Kopal voted with women's safety in mind, saying, "Govt promised they would work towards women's security, but the city is still unsafe."
For Supreet Singh and his wife Gurveen Kaur, local issues were a priority. "In Delhi elections, what matters to us is the colony we live in," Sunpreet said, citing park maintenance, parking issues and safety as key concerns. Their MLA's accessibility influenced their decision, they said.
Some travelled across the city to vote with their families. Mehak Sejwal (26), an assistant professor, returned from Noida to accompany her parents in Lado Sarai. "The roads I used daily to work have deteriorated. I want a better road network," she said.
Many said voting together was a tradition they had followed for years. Wahidan (90), accompanied by family members, arrived at a polling booth in Zeenat Mahal Govt School. Her 60-year-old son Naik Ahmad said: "We vote together every time. Today was no different." Similarly, Noor Khan (41) and his sister escorted their 75-year-old mother Hussanara to the booth despite her declining health.
Several young voters also embraced their role in democracy. Deepika Mishra (25) took her family to Chhatarpur, taking charge of the car as her father, suffering from spinal issues, found driving difficult. "Crime rate, inflation and infrastructure need urgent attention," said Deepika.
At Lado Sarai, Bhagwati Devi, a 49-year-old health worker, voted with her sister and daughters. She stressed on the need for better hospitals and schools over new highways. "We want better opportunities for our children rather than freebies," she added.