For the first time in his 60 years of political career, former Bengal Chief Minister and CPM veteran Jyoti Basu may not cast his vote on Tuesday as the Election Commission has turned down his request for making arrangements for him to cast his vote at his residence.

The 96-year-old stalwart, who hardly moves out of his house nowadays, said since he was keen on casting his vote, the EC could make arrangements at his place. The booth where Basu votes is located at CF block of Salt Lake.

“EC rules do not permit a person to cast his vote at his residence. But one thing I can tell you, the booth where he votes is situated in a single-storied building and so he does not have to climb stairs. And the EC will make all arrangements for him permitted under EC rules to enable senior citizens to vote,” said Chief Electoral Officer Debashis Sen.

Sources close to Basu say now everything depends on his health as well as Wednesday’s weather. “For a man like Basu, it is difficult to resist the desire to vote. But it will be decided on Wednesday,” an official said.