Jammu & Kashmir Energises India’s Democratic Journey with Historic Participation: LG Manoj Sinha You all know that on 25th January 1950, just a day before the declaration of the Indian Republic, an independent, powerful and impartial Election Commission was established in India. I consider this decision a symbol of the makers’ unwavering faith in democratic values, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha. Every vote cast in an election is like an important brick laid in the foundation of nation building. Therefore, elections are not just a decision of the present but a very sacred responsibility linked to the future of the society and the strength of democracy for the coming generations, LG added. Personally, my view is that a vote is not just a button pressed on a machine, but also a citizen’s wish, his dreams, his aspirations, his resolve, his very personality. The entire Jammu and Kashmir also needs to always remember that in a democracy, the future of a nation can be shaped only by the collective decision of the people, There can be no other option for it, stated the Lieutenant Governor. Every vote has within it the power to influence policies, institutions, and the direction of the country. On National Voters’ Day, I would also like to thank the election officers. The contribution of all our election colleagues during the Lok Sabha elections in May 2024 and the Assembly elections in September-October, especially in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, was very important and memorable. We all know that there was a huge increase in electoral participation in 2024 compared to 2019, especially within the Valley. Voter turnout was 58.46%, a new record for Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly elections witnessed a voter turnout of 63.88%, a clear testimony to the strong democratic spirit and citizen participation. On this occasion, I would like to specially congratulate the youth generation and citizens of Jammu and Kashmir who have been able to exercise their full voting rights for the first time after decades. And today, I can say that after passing all the procedures and after that with the special resolution and successful Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, Jammu Kashmir has given new energy to the democratic system and has also strengthened the democratic values. I can say with confidence that the roots of democracy in India are very deep and strong. The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha extende his heartiest greetings to all on National Voters’ Day.He also expressed his gratitude to all the officials and staff involved in the election process for their valuable contribution. LG chanted Jai Hind! and Jai Bharat as concluding words.
