In a remarkable display of respect, a woman in India emerged victorious in a local election nearly two weeks after her passing, as her dedicated supporters fulfilled their pledge to stand by her.
Ashiya Bi, a charismatic first-time candidate, secured an impressive 44 percent of the vote for a seat in the municipal civic body in India’s populous state of Uttar Pradesh, specifically in the Bijnor district. This inspiring news was reported by the AFP news agency on Tuesday. Unfortunately, Bi fell ill with a severe lung and abdominal infection and passed away just 12 days before the election.
Despite her untimely departure, her name remained on the ballot as her husband duly informed election officials about her situation. District officer Bhagwan Sharan explained to AFP that there was no provision in place to remove her name once the electoral process had commenced. Once the voting began, it couldn’t be halted or altered.
Prior to her passing, Bi had garnered immense popularity among voters, and in a touching display of admiration and commitment, many chose to cast their votes in her favor. “Ashiya easily formed connections with people, and they didn’t want to break the promise of support they had given her. Hence, this outcome,” shared resident Mohammad Zakir with the Times of India.
Bi’s husband, Muntazim Qureishi, highlighted her composed demeanor, stating that she had “won hearts” with it. Another voter, Arif, conveyed to the newspaper, “Our votes are a tribute to her.”
