LG hails record voter participation in J&K, says democracy has taken deep roots; graces 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in Jammu
BuzzBytes
Jammu, January 25:
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on Saturday said that every vote cast by a citizen is far more than a political choice, describing it as a sacred responsibility towards future generations, collective national destiny and the resilience of democracy itself.
Addressing the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor called upon officials, institutions and civil society to deepen public awareness about the transformative power of the ballot and encourage citizens to exercise their franchise with responsibility, conscience and wisdom.
“Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nation’s edifice. Elections are not limited to choices of the present; they embody our sacred duty to posterity, to our collective destiny and to democratic resilience,” LG Sinha said.
He underlined that the right to vote reinforces accountability, transparency and responsiveness in governance. “I firmly believe that a vote is the most potent expression of a citizen’s aspiration, conviction and purpose. Jammu and Kashmir must never forget that the essence of democracy lies here—our collective will alone determines the nation’s path,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said every vote holds the power to shape public policy, institutions and the overall direction of the country. “When exercised responsibly, the ballot becomes our strongest instrument for shaping the nation’s destiny,” he observed.
Highlighting India’s democratic journey, LG Sinha said the country stands apart globally. “India, the world’s largest democracy, has reached remarkable heights while upholding equality and harmony. Although many nations attained independence around the same time as India, democracy has flourished most vibrantly on Indian soil. Our democratic foundations are unmatched in their depth and strength,” he said.
Referring specifically to Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said democratic values have found renewed resonance among the people. “In Jammu and Kashmir, trust in democracy has solidified. The unprecedented participation in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections confirms that citizens now view voting as a duty, not merely a right,” he said.
He congratulated the youth and citizens who, after decades, received their first complete opportunity to exercise their franchise, calling it a historic moment in the region’s democratic journey. He also lauded the Election Commission of India and the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, for the smooth, transparent and peaceful conduct of the 2024 elections.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to officials and members of the public, reaffirming commitment to democratic values, ethical participation and fearless voting.
LG Sinha also felicitated District Election Officers from across Jammu and Kashmir, senior officers of the civil and police administration, youth icons and representatives of stakeholder departments for their role in strengthening the electoral process. He distributed Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) to newly enrolled voters, formally welcoming them into the democratic fold.
The celebrations featured cultural performances by artists, youth and members of social organisations, whose creative presentations highlighted the importance of voting and democratic participation. Their performances received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor.
A video message from Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, was also screened during the programme.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo; Director General of Police Shri Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretaries Shri Shaleen Kabra and Shri Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Home Shri Chandraker Bharti; Chief Electoral Officer J&K Shri Sanjeev Verma; IGP Jammu Shri Bhim Sen Tuti; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shri Ramesh Kumar; senior police and civil administration officials; prominent citizens and a large number of youth, reflecting broad public participation in celebrating India’s democratic ethos.
