As the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 kicked off, numerous celebrities thronged to their assigned polling stations to cast their votes. Among them were luminaries such as Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Kiara Advani, who contributed to the democratic process with fervor. Joining this star-studded list was actress Gauahar Khan, whose experience at the polling booth turned out to be a troubling ordeal.
On the day of voting, Gauahar Khan eagerly set out for her nearby booth to fulfill her civic duty. However, the actress was met with an unexpected challenge—she couldn’t locate her name on the voter list at the address where she has resided for the past nine years. Sharing her bewildering and frustrating experience, Gauahar elaborated on social media, urging citizens to make the effort to vote while also detailing her own chaotic journey.
“Make the effort, go find your booths, and vote! Vote now!” Gauahar exclaimed. She recounted how she discovered that not only her name but also her family’s names were missing from the voter list. This was despite them having lived at the same address for nearly a decade. To add to her frustration, only one member from her family received a voting slip, while the names of people who had moved out years ago were still on the list.
Her exasperation was further compounded by the behavior of some of the officials in charge. “Some of the people who were in charge were extremely rude because there were almost 100 people complaining of the same issue and requesting to vote with their Aadhar cards. But I did not give up,” Gauahar shared. Determined not to waste her vote, she went from booth to booth within her locality.
Eventually, Gauahar found her name listed at an address she had more than 15 years ago. “I finally found mine at my 15-year-old address along with my senior citizen mom,” she added. It was a bittersweet moment, especially since her mother, who had instilled in her a deep sense of patriotism, accompanied her. Gauahar’s father, she noted, was the son of a freedom fighter, adding further emotional weight to her resolve.
The actress took to Instagram to share her experience, emphasizing the importance of not letting bureaucratic snafus deter citizens from voting. “I didn’t want my vote to be wasted. As a citizen of the country, it’s my duty to vote and my right in a democracy.
. I love my country and I feel responsible for it,” she wrote. She urged fellow citizens to ensure their names were on the voter list and to cast their votes.
Gauahar also extended her gratitude to the Mumbai Police. “Many thanks to @mumbaipolice; your officers are really helpful and kind in this whole process. The volunteers are doing their best. A bad encounter with one frustrated volunteer should not deter you from voting. GO VOTE! Jai Hind!” she concluded.
The actress’s social media post served as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring call to action, encouraging people to ensure their names are on the voter list ahead of time to avoid such hassles.
About the Fifth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections
The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on a Monday morning. Voting took place in 49 parliamentary constituencies across six states and two Union Territories (UTs) amidst stringent security arrangements. The polling stations opened their doors at 7 am and planned to remain operational until 6 pm, ensuring those in line by the closing time could still exercise their right to vote.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), this phase also involved simultaneous polling for 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha. Over 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, were expected to determine the fate of 695 candidates vying for seats in various constituencies.
The start of this critical phase saw enthusiastic participation from various celebrities, further adding to the public’s interest and involvement in the electoral process. Despite bureaucratic issues and confusion faced by some voters like Gauahar Khan, the underlying message remained strong and clear—every vote counts and is a vital contribution to the democratic fabric of the nation.
In conclusion, Gauahar Khan’s experience underscores the importance of vigilance in the electoral process. Her determination to vote, despite facing hurdles, serves as a reminder to all citizens to be proactive and ensure their participation in shaping the country’s future.
