78-year-old woman hospitalised for low oxygen levels votes while on stretcher

Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher.

Medical examinations said her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per centor higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia.

Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment forKalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care.

As Kalavathi's health gradually improved and she transitioned to the recovery room, she expressed her desire to vote.

She was overjoyed when the medical team supported her decision to participate in the democratic process.

Assisted by the nursing staff, she was then transported to the Jayanagar constituency to cast her vote on a stretcher.

Voting is currently underway across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. Polling commenced at 7 am, with an estimated voter turnout of 22.34 per cent recorded in the southern state by 11 am.

Among the 14 areas voting, Dakshina Kannada saw the highest turnout at 30.98 per cent, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 29.03 per cent. The lowest turnout was in Bangalore Central at 19.21%.

In Bangalore, the turnout was 19.81 per centin the South and 19.78 per cent in the North.

Defying odds: 102-year-old man votes in Jammu

A 102-year-old man made his way to a polling booth in Jammu to exercise his right to vote on Friday.

Accompanied by a family member, Haji Karam Din, carrying a walking stick, entered the polling station in the Reasi district of the Jammu constituency and received assistance through the pre-voting procedures.

After casting his vote, the centenarian proudly showed his inked finger and posed for photographs outside the polling booth.

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"I am very happy to vote at this polling station at this age. I have voted every time. This journey is continuing even today at the age of 102," he told news agency PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)