BMC Election 2026: Young Dadar voter shows determination, casts vote despite using wheelchair

Karan Shah, who was voter no. 1 at the Brahman Sahayak Sangh polling station in Dadar West. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Sunil Shah, a Dadar resident, said proudly about his son, Karan Shah, 27, who cast his vote at Brahman Sahayak Sangh polling station in Dadar West early Thursday morning, "Democracy begins with showing up."

Shah, who is president of Dadar Vyapari Sangh, added about Karan, "My son, who uses a wheelchair, went very early. He was there even before the polling booth had opened. His enthusiasm and stellar sense of duty sent a message to people that they need to get franchise wise. Nearly all of us have heard people brushing off going to the polls, stating, ‘What will one vote matter?' If this is how you think and shun your duty, then quit complaining too."

Karan said, "The booth was completely wheelchair-accessible, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I experienced this during my earlier voting experience, too. By my presence and very early arrival, I wanted to show the public that there are no excuses when it comes to going to the polls."

The young man added, "I have witnessed considerable cynicism amongst people. Many people think that there has been no change in their lives, or that they will be unable to see any transformation. I want to tell people that when you are not changing your mindset, then why expect change on the ground? For ground reality to change, you need to transform your thinking," stressed Karan, who works as a dog behaviourist.