Panchkula, May 11 -- As polling progressed across Panchkula on Sunday, several women voters said their electoral choices were shaped by mounting concerns over deteriorating civic infrastructure, poor sanitation, public safety lapses and inadequate maintenance across sectors. From rising incidents of chain snatching and dark stretches lacking surveillance to stray animals roaming freely on roads and parks, many said everyday governance failures have directly impacted their quality of life and compelled them to vote for change.

NGO worker Leena Khaneja, 45, said sanitation had emerged as a pressing concern. "Diseases are increasing because of poor cleanliness. Stray dogs moving freely on roads make it difficult for women and children to mo...