Jammu, January 25, 2026:Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, today graced the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in Jammu, underscoring the profound power of the ballot and describing elections as a sacred responsibility toward posterity, collective destiny, and democratic resilience.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor urged officers and stakeholders to enhance public awareness about the significance of the right to vote and to motivate citizens to exercise their franchise with responsibility and prudence.
“Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nation’s edifice. Elections represent far more than present-day choices—they embody our sacred duty to posterity, to collective destiny, and to democratic resilience,” LG Sinha said.
Highlighting the essence of democracy, the Lieutenant Governor stated that voting is the most powerful expression of citizens’ aspirations, convictions, and purpose.
“Jammu and Kashmir must never forget: democracy’s essence lies in this—our collective will alone determines our nation’s path,” he added.
LG Sinha emphasised that every vote has the power to shape policies, institutions, and the national direction, noting that responsible participation in elections strengthens accountability, transparency, and governmental responsiveness.
Praising India’s democratic legacy, the Lieutenant Governor said that while many nations gained independence alongside India, democracy has flourished most vigorously on Indian soil.
“India, the world’s largest democracy, has reached remarkable heights while championing equality and harmony. Our democratic foundations are unmatched in depth and strength,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated youth and citizens who, after decades, received their first full opportunity to exercise their franchise, and lauded the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Office of Jammu and Kashmir for the successful conduct of the historic 2024 Lok Sabha and J&K Legislative Assembly elections.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, trust in democracy has solidified. Unprecedented electoral participation in 2024 confirms that citizens now view voting as a duty, not merely a right,” LG Sinha observed.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to officials and citizens. He also felicitated District Election Officers, senior civil and police officials, youth icons, and representatives of stakeholder departments. Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were distributed among newly registered voters.
The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances by artists, youth, and members of social organisations, creatively highlighting the importance of voting. These performances received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor.
The event also included a video message from the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar.
Among those present were Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo, DGP 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, along with senior police and civil administration officials, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth.
