Mail News Service
Seraikela, Feb 23: In a stirring example of civic responsibility, a newlywed bride chose the ballot over tradition, casting her vote before leaving for her matrimonial home during the ongoing Seraikela Nagar Panchayat–2026 elections.
Kumkum Mukhi, a resident of Norodih Basti under the Seraikela Nagar Panchayat area, arrived at the polling booth located in Indratandi dressed in her wedding attire, accompanied by her grandmother.
Her marriage had been solemnised late Sunday night, and despite the customary post-wedding rituals and an overnight vigil, the young bride expressed her firm desire to exercise her franchise before departing for her in-laws’ home on Monday morning.
Respecting her commitment to democratic values, her family escorted her to the polling station in her bridal ensemble. The sight of a bride standing in queue among voters created a poignant and inspiring moment for fellow electors and polling officials alike.
Daughter of Madan Mukhi and Kamalabati Mukhi, Kumkum described voting as not only her constitutional right but also her foremost duty.
“Voting is our right and our first responsibility. First comes voting, and then the courtyard of my in-laws,” she said, underlining the spirit of participatory democracy.
Her gesture stood out amid the peaceful and orderly polling process, sending a powerful message on voter awareness and the importance of prioritising civic duty, even on life’s most significant personal occasions.
