Guwahati: Senior citizens turned out in steady numbers across the city, stepping out of their homes early in the morning to cast their votes, reflecting a strong sense of duty and decades of lived experience. For them, casting a vote remains one of the most valuable rights, seen as a means to bring decisive change in the functioning of the state and the broader fabric of society.While some were accompanied by family members, others were seen arriving on their own, leaning on walking sticks. They made their way to their respective polling stations, contributing to the overall voter turnout of approximately 77.32% in the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district.For Chitralekha Gogoi, a resident of Dispur who first cast her vote in 1967, voting remains a steadfast expression of her resolve. “We have always cast our votes with hope and expectation that those elected would run the state judiciously and take decisions in its best interest. Back then, the administration felt more efficient. Now, I feel the need for a change. I just hope that whoever comes to power governs wisely, keeping the public’s interest first,” she said.The same sentiment was echoed by Massadar Hussain, a resident of the city’s Machkhowa area, who first cast his vote in 1991. He expressed hope for a leader who is suave, capable of engaging in healthy electoral competition with grace, and one who governs not through fear, but through trust, dignity, and a genuine sense of responsibility. “Earlier, we looked up to leaders like Gopinath Bordoloi and Tarun Ram Phookan as role models, but the same cannot be said today. As citizens, we seek change, and it is encouraging to see the new generation stepping up. Development is what we need, not communal divisions,” he said.While senior citizens expressed their desire for a state machinery that is humane, free from fear, and culturally enriching, they also stressed the urgent need to strengthen governance by ensuring proper access to education and healthcare, especially in remote areas. “I envision an Assam that is free from fear, prosperous, and humane, where equality prevails irrespective of caste, creed, or language. Most importantly, I hope for a future where access to quality education and healthcare is ensured for all, and where the youth are provided meaningful employment opportunities,” said Deepak Goswami, another resident.Meanwhile, residents who stay in hill areas of the city, urgently cited the need for good roads, and proper infrastructure. Anukul Sarmah, a resident of Bonda, highlighted the need for good roads. “During rains, the roads become very dangerous. I am shocked that our contesting candidates do not see this. It must be their responsibility to take up civic issues first, then talk about protecting the culture,” he said.
