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Every citizen of a democratic republic has the right to exercise their adult franchise, thereby taking part in electing their representative. However, some intentionally or unintentionally stay away from the process.

 

Election Commission of India, political leaders and others have urged the nation to participate in the biggest festival of democracy by casting their ballot.

 

In a similar vein, Doordarshan National — television channel owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting — has roped in some prominent personalities from various backgrounds for an awareness campaign to encourage people to exercise their franchise.

 

Two phases of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have been concluded and the nation is gearing up for the third phase which will take place on May 7.

 

The personalities, who are participating in the campaign to encourage voting, include Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nandini Harinath, singers Adnan Sami — he got the Indian citizenship in 2016 — and Mohit Chauhan; actor Taapsee Pannu; and Salma Khan of the Kinnar Maa Trust.

 

Earlier, notable Constitutional office holders had appealed to voters through the broadcasting medium to vote.

 

President Droupadi Murmu exhorted the electorate, especially first-time voters, to participate in the elections.

 

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also joined in stating: “...we are the citizens of the world’s largest democracy. The Constitution gives us a multitude of rights as citizens, but it also expects that each of us performs the duty which is cast upon us, and one of the foremost duties of citizenship is to cast our vote”.

 

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said Election Commission of India officials had worked hard for over two years, adding every eligible voter to the electoral rolls, now having close to 97 crore voters, and preparing over 10.50 lakh polling stations within two kilometres of the voters’ reach.

 

“...I still remember my first voting, but many years later, after so many elections and voting, I still make sure that I don’t miss an opportunity to cast my vote...because that is a right and a privilege that is given to every Indian citizen to select its representative to decide the future of the nation,” ISRO chief S. Somanath said in his televised statement.