Vote first, cremation can wait

Eye opener

In Bihar’s first phase of polling on Thursday, a Scheduled Caste woman Bhogia Devi of Madhepura preferred to cast her vote first and then perform the last rites of her husband Shanichar Rishidev, who died two days ago. This happened some 300 km from the state capital at a nondescript village Murho at Madhepura.

While her family and other villagers had hoped that she would cremate her husband first and then think of any other worldly matters, Bhogia, a former ward committee member of Murho Panchayat in Madhepura, preferred to exercise her franchise first.

“Cremation can wait. But elections won’t. If I miss the bus, then next polling will take place after five years,” Bhogia reportedly told Murho Panchayat mukhiya Mira Devi, when the latter tried to persuade her to perform the last rites.

“I told Bhogia to cremate Rishidev on Thursday morning, but she said she would do so only after casting her vote,” said Mira Devi. This must be music to the ears of Election Commission mandarins and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who, a couple of days back, had told womenfolk: “On the day of polling, open your kitchen only after casting your votes.

Cook the food and have proper meal. Give it to men also. But if someone fails to cast his vote, keep him hungry for the entire day.” Seems the clarion call to exercise franchise has made a tremendous effect.