A voter is handed a packaged beverage at a polling booth on May 7.
Photo Credits: Chief Electoral Office, Goa/X
MAPUSA
The State Chief Electoral Officer's grand plan to quench the thirst of voters amidst scorching heat ended up as a tragic comedy on the voting day.
The electorate, with parched throats and raised eyebrows, lambasted the election commission for their failure to deliver or rather falling way short of their promise.
What was supposed to be a refreshing oasis in the desert of democracy turned into a desert mirage, as the much-awaited refreshment drinks arrived late at various polling stations. And to add insult to thirst, the quantity was as scanty as a politician's promises during campaign season.
Despite the CEO's office proclaiming that the elixir of refreshment would flow from 9 am to 4 pm at various polling stations, voters were left high and dry well past the brunch hour.
Meanwhile, the election commission patted themselves on the back for generously providing drinking water, as if a mere sip could quench the voters' thirst for accountability.
In the bustling town of Mapusa, the disillusionment was palpable as voters questioned the sanctity of electoral assurances. "If they can't even deliver a cold beverage, how can we trust them with our votes?" lamented one voter.
Even in far-off Pernem disappointment reigned supreme. When the promised soft drinks did not come, thirst prevailed as voters found themselves in a desert of despair. Eventually, a meagre stock of 280 soft drinks, reminiscent of a rationing scheme, made its way to the polling stations.
But alas, it was akin to throwing a drop of water to quench a wildfire, as the demand far exceeded the supply. “We had to face the people's wrath after the drinks got exhausted," confessed a beleaguered polling official, caught in the crossfire of thirst and expectation.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Ramesh Verma had boasted of elaborate arrangements to quench the electorate's thirst to beat the heat and achieve an 80 per cent voting target. In the end, as the sun set on Election Day, voters were left with nothing but a bitter taste in their mouths and a lesson learned.
