KOLKATA: As election to the Meghalaya legislative assembly approaches, natives of the state staying here have little choice but to look on longingly from a distance. The right to exercise their franchise is a right of every adult citizen. But many of those domiciled in Meghalaya but working in the City of Joy will have to forego that right this time."This would have been my first time voting had I been home. I am disappointed that I can't go home," said 22-year-old Ronald Kharsyiemlieh, a student at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. It is a similar case of missed opportunities for Philarima Hynniewta, who works at E Info Solution here. "Sadly, I can't go home because of work," she said.Other youngsters from Meghalaya here said they had a lot to say about the polls but could not voice their suggestions all the way from Kolkata. "I really wanted to be part of the campaigning and meetings that are usually held in different localities in Shillong. I wanted to listen to the candidates and suggest a few things that they can look into," John Momin, a consultant at a call centre in New Town, said.For those working in the private sector - such as Philarima, Ronald and John - even postal ballot is not an option.Meghalaya chief electoral officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor said, "Everybody does not get the privilege to vote using postal ballot. Only service voters, special voters, wives of service and special voters, electors subjected to preventive detention, voters on election duty and notified voters have the right to use postal ballot."For those living away from home at a time of excitement and anticipation, the limited scope of the postal ballot adds insult to injury. "I feel everyone should be allowed to vote via the postal ballot. People like me who can't go home can easily not waste our vote and try to make a difference," said Ronald.Things are no better for employees of Meghalaya House . "We have been working here for many years but no one takes us into consideration. If we want to vote, we have to go home at our own expense, using up our leaves," Emidaka Pakyntein, a lower-division assistant at the House, said. She added, "We have spoken to the deputy commissioner of the state and asked him to consider us for postal ballot, if possible."Eleven staff members, out of 23, would be going home to cast their vote. The others are hoping they will get a chance to vote from here itself if the Election Commission accepts the request. "All we can do is wait and hope," Kuriakose Baby, a movement officer at Meghalaya House, said. "It is nerve-wracking as the election is just a week away. We have taken up the issue with our seniors and various officials of the state, but to no avail," he added. While government employees in Meghalaya get a holiday on polling day, it will be work as usual for those working here."If the Election Commission agrees, it will be a first. We are hoping this small step will wake the government. Hopefully by the next election, special arrangements will be made for people like us," Emidaka said.

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