A physician residing in Paris, who visits Kolkata with his family at least once a year, flew down to cast his vote on Wednesday. A firm believer in the paradox that change is the only constant, he voted for change in 2011 when the Trinamool Congress secured a decisive mandate to end the Left Front government's 34-year rule.
Voting amid polarisation
The doctor, who chose to remain anonymous in the current polarised atmosphere to avoid his comments being viewed as favouring either the TMC or BJP, ensured his cousin in Kolkata submitted the SIR form when the process began last year. My name was on the 2002 voter list, so I did not have to do much except fill out the form, he explained. Since he was in Paris, his cousin handled the submission, and it was accepted. Had his name appeared on the adjudication list, he might have had to travel earlier to present his credentials, but luckily that was not necessary.
Concerns over flight disruptions
For the MD, a greater worry than the SIR form was flying across the Gulf region. Had the conflict reignited and caused flight disruptions, his plans would have been derailed. Fortunately, the ceasefire allowed him to fly via Dubai. I am hoping the conditions set by Iran do not scupper the ceasefire and I am able to return home without getting stranded, he said, recalling how fights between India and Europe became chaotic in the early weeks of the conflict, with fares skyrocketing.
A history of voting
Married to a Parisian and settled in the French capital for over two decades, he also flew down to vote in the 2011 elections that saw Mamata Banerjee come to power, ending the Left Front's rule. I have retained my Indian citizenship and am proud to participate in the democratic process. I was excited to be part of the historic election in 2011 that saw the end of the Left Front. I am looking forward to again being part of an election that will create history, he said without revealing his voting preference.
