Lakhi Paul, at first instance, may seem like any other centenarian, but she has secured for herself an indelible mark in the annals of Charaideo’s history. The oldest voter in Charaideo district, Paul is 104-years-old and is all set to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. She is survived by three children -- two sons and a daughter.
In an effort to make the ensuing parliamentary elections inclusive and provide all possible aid to voters, SVEEP Cell of Charaideo tried tracking all centenarian voters. During this drive, the Cell came across Paul, who is older than independent India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi aged 102.
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“This is a history of sorts for us as we have tracked down the district’s oldest voter aged 104 years. But what makes her more special is that she is 2 years older than Independent India’s first voter,” said Nuzhat Nasreen, Nodal Officer, SVEEP, Charaideo Election District.
On Saturday a team from Charaideo District Administration headed by district’s Deputy Commissioner Dipak Kumar Handique visited Paul. On meeting her, the DC felicitated her with a ‘Gamusa’ and offered fruits. He congratulated her on being the district’s oldest voter. He said the district administration will provide all possible help on the polling day to Paul. He asked Mahmora Circle Officer to personally receive Paul on April 11, the day of first phase of polling, and take her to the booth to vote.
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Sitting on her bed with a stick beside her, Paul acknowledged the district administration’s effort with a nod and folded hands. On being asked whether she will cast her vote this year, she nodded positively.
Assam has 21.7 million voters, including at least 7.06 lakh first timers. The state will go to polls in three phases - April 11, 18 and 23.
