Thrissur, April 9 What began as a routine visit to a polling booth turned into a tense standoff on Thursday after a young woman was initially denied her right to vote due to an injury on her finger, triggering protests, official intervention, and sharp political reactions.
Akshaya, a resident of Kannamkulangara, arrived at the booth around 1.30 p.m. with her husband and their 18-month-old baby. Her left index finger was heavily bandaged, bearing 15 stitches from a recent accident.
However, the presiding officer on duty insisted that since the indelible ink must be applied to the left index finger, the bandage had to be removed to verify the mark.
Despite Akshaya producing medical records and explaining her condition, the official remained firm, refusing to permit her to vote unless the wound was exposed.
The situation soon escalated as visuals of the young mother seated inside the polling station, accompanied by a woman police officer, began circulating in the media, drawing public attention.
As the controversy gathered momentum, senior officials stepped in. The Additional District Magistrate arrived at the booth and met with Akshaya, but the impasse persisted. It was only after the District Collector intervened that efforts intensified to resolve the issue.
Finally, with polling time drawing to a close, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar intervened directly. Following his directive, Akshaya was allowed to cast her vote at the eleventh hour, just minutes before the 6 p.m. deadline, bringing an end to hours of uncertainty and distress.
The incident also drew a strong political response. Senior CPI leader and former State Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar arrived at the scene in an agitated mood and demanded strict disciplinary action against the presiding officer, alleging insensitivity and a violation of the voters’ rights.
The episode has since sparked a wider debate on poll day preparedness and the need for greater sensitivity among election officials when dealing with exceptional circumstances, even as authorities are expected to review the lapse.
--IANS
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