Delhi Assembly elections: Homeless brave uncertainty to cast their vote

Delhi's homeless residents share struggles and doubts about voting in the Delhi Assembly elections.

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Delhi’s homeless citizens stepped out from night shelters and roadside dwellings to vote in the Delhi Assembly elections on Wednesday (February 5, 2025).

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Currently residing in a night shelter at Lodhi Colony, Ms. Kheru Nisha (30) said she went to vote early in the morning. Asked what influenced her decision, the mother of five said, “Everything is so expensive. Six months ago, we were living in a one-room rented apartment in the Nizamuddin area. However, we were unable to afford the rent and have since been living under the Lodhi Road flyover before moving into the night shelter.”

“While the government had promised free electricity and water, my landlord still charged us, even if the bill showed zero. What is the purpose of such schemes if they do not reach us?” rued Ms. Nisha, who works as a garbage collector.

At this night shelter, located near the Delhi Golf Club, there are around 120 residents ranging from six months old to 75 years old. “There must be around 20-25 residents who have a valid voter ID and have gone to vote,” said one of the residents.

Another night shelter resident, Ms. Sonia (30), who had just returned from voting, said she was unsure whether her vote would lead to a better future. “All political parties come with lots of promises, but nothing happens afterwards. For example, there were promises of free education, free books, pens, and uniforms for poor students, but my children have been unable to avail them,” the mother of four said.