In Sasaram, 95-year-old ailing Harihar Singh was going to the polling booth to cast his vote. He died on the way just 100 meters before the booth. This incident shows his deep loyalty and dutifulness towards democracy.
An emotional incident came to light during the second phase of voting in Khaira village of Karserua Panchayat of Sasaram assembly constituency of Rohtas district. 95-year-old Harihar Singh alias Haridwar Singh, a retired panchayat servant, had set out for the polling booth on Tuesday morning to exercise his franchise. Family members said that for the last few days, he was in a serious health condition, was unable to walk and was bed-ridden most of the time. Despite this, he had clearly expressed his desire that he would definitely vote in this election.
Last wish: “First vote, then whatever is meant to be will happen”
According to family members, Harihar Singh was eating very little food for the last two-three days and was having difficulty speaking. Despite this, as the voting date approached, he told his family several times, “Son, I will go only after voting. This is my religion.” This was not just a wish, but a lifelong commitment to democracy.
On Tuesday morning, his family members, respecting his wish, made preparations to take him to the polling booth. He was carefully made to sit on the e-rickshaw and the people of the village also started walking with him. There was only one thing on everyone’s face that old Babuji is respecting democracy with so much willpower.
Stopped breathing barely 100 meters away from the booth
While sitting on the e-rickshaw, about 100 meters before reaching the polling station, his health suddenly deteriorated. The family and the villagers accompanying him took care of him and tried to give him water, but within a few moments he stopped breathing. There was chaos among the people outside the polling station itself, some villagers immediately tried to take him to the health center, but by then it was too late.
Wave of mourning in the village, eyes moist, heart heavy
As soon as this news spread in Khaira village, there was great sadness in the entire atmosphere. Villagers said that Harihar Singh was a person of calm nature, honest and pioneer in social service. While being a Panchayat servant, he always gave priority to the work of the public. Today his last journey was also towards the polling station, but his wish could not be fulfilled.
Example of unwavering faith in democracy
This incident clearly showed that faith in democracy is not just a slogan, some hearts truly live it throughout their lives. An old man, despite being sick and weak, willing to perform his right and duty till his last breath is a bigger message than any political debate.
Villagers’ reaction
A young man from the village said, “We have always seen that Babuji used to be the first to vote in every election. He used to say that voting is not just a right but also a responsibility. Today he went on fulfilling his responsibility.” The family is in mourning at this time, but at the same time they are proud that their elder did not give up his loyalty to democracy till the last moment of his life.