SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha marked the 15th National Voters’ Day celebrations at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, by lauding the electoral achievements of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasising the importance of democratic participation.
The event was highlighted by the presentation of the prestigious Best Performing State/UT Award from the Election Commission of India to the Chief Electoral Officer of J&K and his team. The LG congratulated the officials, police, and stakeholders for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in the region.
“The historic voter turnout in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections reflects the people’s unwavering faith in democratic values and their renewed commitment to civic participation,” said the LG, adding that the elections were unanimously acknowledged as the most peaceful and transparent in J&K’s history.
This year’s National Voters’ Day theme, “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure,” was lauded by the LG, who emphasised its message that voting transcends all barriers, embodying the essence of democratic rights.
The LG praised India as the “Mother of Democracy,” stating that its cultural ethos of freedom, equality, and inclusiveness empowers citizens to lead dignified lives. He noted that India’s democratic principles are now a model for many nations in both the Global North and South.
During the event, the LG flagged off the mobile initiative “Democracy on Wheels,” designed to educate students on the importance of voting and the electoral process. He also inaugurated the Regional Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) warehouse in Jammu and felicitated newly registered voters.
Highlighting the efforts of J&K’s election machinery, the LG commended the successful revision of electoral rolls post-delimitation, ensuring accurate voter lists for over 89 lakh voters across 11,838 polling stations. He applauded the dedicated efforts of election officials, which resulted in increased voter turnout and a streamlined election process.
Awards for best electoral practices were presented to Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, and SSP Pulwama, Ms P.D. Nitya. Several other officials, including Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from across J&K, were also honoured for their contributions to the electoral process.
The celebration featured cultural performances by Natrang artists, NGOs, and college students, focusing on the importance of voting, which received special appreciation from the LG.
The event concluded with the administration of the National Voters’ Day pledge, urging eligible youth to actively participate in the democratic process. Senior officials, dignitaries, and citizens attended the occasion, which celebrated the strengthening of democracy in JK.
