Bokaro: On the evening of Tuesday, a vibrant rock band show was organised in the Bokaro Mall premises by the SWEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) cell. This musical event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of voting in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024. The program was attended by various officials, including Deputy Development Commissioner Girija Shankar Prasad, Returning Officer Bokaro cum SDO Chas Pranjal Dhanda, Returning Officer cum DCLR Prabhash Dutta and other election officials from the region.
Message from Officials: Exercising the Right to Vote
During the event, Deputy Development Commissioner Girija Shankar Prasad emphasized the significance of exercising the constitutional right to vote. He stated, “The second grand festival of democracy has begun, and it is essential for all of us to participate.” He urged attendees to prioritise voting over other activities, noting that the voter turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the district was unsatisfactory. Prasad pointed out that higher voter turnout reflects responsible citizenship and enhances the district’s image.
Appeal for Voter Registration
Additional appeals to the public to vote were made by other officials, including the Additional Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer. They encouraged those who had not yet registered to apply using Form 6 to include their names in the voter list. For any election-related queries or assistance, the public was advised to dial 1950 for support.
Awareness Campaign and Quizzes
Chandankyari election officer and DCLR Chas Prabhash Dutta elaborated on the SWEEP program, highlighting the Election Commission of India’s initiative to increase voter participation. A quiz competition related to elections was also organised, with various questions posed to the audience. Participants who answered correctly were awarded prizes on the spot, fostering engagement among the attendees.
Voter Pledge: Commitment to Democracy
The audience was also invited to take a voter pledge, affirming their commitment to uphold democratic values. The Deputy Development Commissioner stated that they, as citizens of India, would maintain the sanctity of democratic traditions and participate fearlessly in elections without any undue influence from religion, caste, or community.
Voter Awareness Rally: Inspiring Youth Participation
Before the event, newly appointed Chowkidar led a voter awareness rally from Sector 2C to Bokaro Mall. Young participants passionately chanted slogans encouraging voting, such as “Everyone must vote!” and “Our connection to democracy is strong; voting is essential!” The rally successfully inspired many citizens to recognize their responsibility in the electoral process.
