The Incredible Journey to Vote in India’s Mammoth Election
Vishal Aheer and his team embarked on a daunting journey through the Himalayan mountains to ensure 185 villagers in India could cast their votes in a crucial election. Travelling for hours across treacherous paths, Aheer risked his life to bring the ballot box to the remote hamlet of Almi in Himachal Pradesh.
Almi, situated at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, is one of the inaccessible areas where officials must take the vote to the people. Despite the challenges and dangers, Aheer and his team reached their destination, allowing the villagers to participate in the democratic process.
With voting ending on Saturday, these villagers, making up a minute fraction of the 968 million-strong electorate, appreciate the attention during this election. However, their concerns about post-election promises remain unaddressed, highlighting the complexities of Indian politics.
India’s massive election, involving nearly a billion voters over six weeks, showcases the country’s commitment to democracy. As the electoral process continues, citizens brave the heat to make their voices heard, culminating in the counting of votes on 4th June.
With an estimated $8.7bn spent on campaigning, India’s election is not only massive in scale but also one of the costliest globally, reflecting the high stakes involved in shaping the nation’s future.
