Female voters in Arunachal gifted sanitary napkins for getting inked

GUWAHATI: Female voters in Arunachal capital Itanagar were in for an unexpected surprise from election authorities on Friday — sanitary napkins in return for voting.

Besides boosting female participation in the electoral process, the aim of the move was to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene. Two polling stations — DFO social forestry building and KV Building at NERIST— were part of the EC initiative called ‘sakhi booths’. Both voters and polling officials in sakhi booths are women.

About 600 of the 1400-odd registered voters turned up to exercise their franchise, said polling officials.

Two voters die in polling booths in Tamil Nadu

Two voters died in Salem and Kallakurichi. R Chinnaponnu, 77, from Sentharapatty, collapsed at booth 250 due to cardiac arrest. N Palanisamy, 69, of Suramangalam, died at Salem hospital.

Election officials, EVMs airlifted to four remote polling booths in Arunachal

40 officials airlifted to remote polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh for elections. Airlifted with EVMs and VVPATs by MI-172 chopper. Polling teams to start foot march. Simultaneous polls for assembly and Lok Sabha seats with CAPF deployed.

Not lifting a finger: Why are young voters ghosting the polling booth?

Only 38% of 18-19-year-olds registered to vote, with low enrollment rates in key states. Lack of charismatic youth leaders, relatable political pitches, and empathy from leaders contribute to disengagement. Political parties need to address these issues to engage young voters effectively.