Jammu, 25 January 2026: The Lieutenant Governor attended the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations held in Jammu, calling upon officials and citizens to recognise the profound power of the electoral franchise and to exercise it with responsibility and informed judgment.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that every ballot cast forms the foundation of the nation’s democratic structure and represents a responsibility not only to the present generation but also to posterity. He observed that elections go beyond immediate political choices and embody collective destiny, democratic resilience, and the will of the people.
He underlined that the right to vote strengthens accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in governance. Describing the vote as a powerful expression of citizens’ aspirations and convictions, he said that democracy’s essence lies in the collective will of the people, which alone determines the nation’s path. He added that every vote has the capacity to shape policies, institutions, and national direction, and when exercised responsibly, becomes the most effective instrument for determining the country’s future.
Highlighting India’s democratic journey, the Lieutenant Governor said that the world’s largest democracy has achieved significant progress while upholding equality and harmony. He noted that while several nations attained independence around the same period, democracy has taken the deepest roots and flourished most strongly in India.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated youth and citizens who, after decades, were able to exercise their franchise fully for the first time. He also commended the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Office of Jammu and Kashmir for the successful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.
He observed that public trust in democracy in Jammu and Kashmir has strengthened considerably, with democratic values resonating widely among citizens. The unprecedented voter turnout in 2024, he said, reflects that people now regard voting as a civic duty rather than merely a constitutional right.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to officials and members of the public. He also felicitated District Election Officers from across Jammu and Kashmir, senior civil and police officials, youth icons, and representatives of stakeholder departments. Electors Photo Identity Cards were distributed among newly enrolled voters.
The programme featured cultural performances by artists, social organisations, and youth groups, depicting the significance of voting, which were appreciated by the Lieutenant Governor. A video message from the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, was also screened during the event.
The event was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretaries, the Principal Secretary (Home), the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, senior police and civil administration officials, prominent citizens, and a large number of youth.
