Hope to be able to afford food, send children to schools: homeless voters

Among those who stepped out to exercise their franchise on Wednesday were the city’s homeless citizens. Several such voters told The Hindu that they had cast their ballot in the hope of seeing their children in schools and being able to afford two square meals a day.

Kheru Nisha, who stays in a night shelter in Lodhi Colony, voted early in the morning. The 30-year-old said she voted with the hope of being able to afford food for her five children.

Another night shelter inmate, Sonia, 30, said,“Promises were made about free education and uniforms for poor students, but my children haven’t been able to avail of these benefits.” She added, “Government school employees ask for a ₹500 bribe for the admission of each student. So, none of my children go to school. But I voted for someone who, I believe, will help get rid of the corruption.”

Julekha, 65, who is deaf and mute, showed her inked finger and her voter ID, carefully tucked inside a pouch. When asked where she would go when her night shelter gets dismantled in the summer, she pointed towards the nearby flyover.