Blind old man casts vote
2004-05-05 10:32
New Delhi - An Indian man who says he is 134 years old, voted on Wednesday in the northwestern desert state of Rajasthan in what is the fourth and decisive phase of India's parliamentary polls.
"I feel good. It is important to vote in order to have a good government," said Habib Miyan, blind and toothless, in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur.
Earlier this year he was able to make the all-important pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, with financial help from a Britain-based businessman of Indian origin, after media reported that the journey was his last desire.
According to official records Habib Miyan was born on May 20, 1878, which makes him 124 years old, the UNI news agency reported. But he claims he was 10 years old when a king died in Jaipur 124 years ago, making him 134 yearsold .
Habib Miyan played the clarinet in Jaipur's royal band until 1938, after which he retired to the Muslim quarter of the city where he lives with more than 30 relatives.
He is among more than 107 million people, including 79-year-old Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who are eligible to vote Wednesday in polls in seven states. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA