Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voter who lost hands in accident casts vote using feet in Gujarat's Nadiad

To celebrate the festival of democracy, Ankit Soni, a voter who lost both his hands 20 years ago, exercised his franchise through his feet at a polling booth in Gujarat’s Nadiad. He also appealed to voters across the country where elections are being held to come out and vote.

Also read: Lok Sabha Election Phase 3 LIVE: 40% voter turnout till 1 PM; Bengal leads

The voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced at 7 am on Tuesday (May 7) in 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories.

Soni, who is a graduate, had lost both of his hands due to electric shock accident two decades ago. 

While taking to the media, he said, “Despite losing both hands in an electric shock accident 20 years ago, I never gave up. Inspired by my teachers and guru, I embarked on a journey of learning, first with drawing and writing, then pursuing education. With hard work, I graduated and went on to earn a CS degree and even an MBA. Voting is a right I cherish, and I've found a way to cast my ballot for several years now. Let's all follow suit and exercise this precious right.”

Also read: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats

It is worth mentioning that, a special polling station has been set up in Burudmal village of Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency after 75 years of independence. Burudmal has the smallest voter population with just 41 voters.

Meanwhile, 39.92% voter turnout was recorded till 1 pm for phase 3 of Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Assam 45.88%

Bihar 36.69%

Chhattisgarh 46.14%

Dadra & Nagar Haveli And Daman & Diu 39.94%

Goa 49.04%

Gujarat 37.83%

Karnataka 41.59%

Madhya Pradesh 44.67%

Maharashtra 31.55%

Uttar Pradesh 38.12%

West Bengal 49.27%

(With inputs from agencies)