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Darjeeling Hills Echo with Democracy Call in Unique Voters' Pledge Event

The Election Commission of India organized a unique "Voters' Pledge" event in Darjeeling to encourage participation in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls. The program featured an administered pledge and an energetic walkathon led by senior citizens and joined by youth, with cartoon mascots adding to the festive atmosphere. An insider from the Chief Electoral Officer's office stated the Commission's dual focus is on ensuring violence-free polls and authentic voter lists through special revision exercises. The initiative is part of a broader effort to spread awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy.

Key Points: Voters' Pledge & Walkathon in Darjeeling for Bengal Polls

  • Voter awareness drive in Darjeeling
  • Administered Voter's Pledge and walkathon
  • Focus on free, fair, and violence-free polls
  • Aim to eliminate fake voters and include all genuine ones
2 min read

Bengal polls: ECI holds 'Voters' Pledge' event in hills of Darjeeling

ECI holds a vibrant Voters' Pledge event in Darjeeling hills with a walkathon and mascots to encourage high turnout in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

"The message of peaceful and festive elections echoed loudly across the hills of Darjeeling. - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, April 17

In an attempt to keep the Election Commission of India's spirit to encourage voters to cast their votes in large numbers in the forthcoming two-phase Assembly election in West Bengal, the office of the District Magistrate, also the District Electoral Officer, of Darjeeling district, held a unique "Voters' Pledge" event in the hills on Friday.

The ECI posted pictures of that programme on its official social media handle with the caption -- "Darjeeling Wakes Up with a Democracy Call".

According to it, on a misty morning in the hills, a vibrant gathering of youth and senior citizens came together in the true spirit of voter participation at Chowrasta in Darjeeling.

"The Voter's Pledge was administered, followed by an energetic walkathon, led by senior citizens and joined enthusiastically by the youth," the ECI's statement added.

Mascots of cartoon characters like "Chota Bheem" and "Chutki" added colours to the event and became part of the celebration, engaging with the crowd and spreading awareness.

"The message of peaceful and festive elections echoed loudly across the hills of Darjeeling. It's your duty and responsibility. Let's Vote !" the ECI's statement read.

An insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that since the beginning of this election process, the Commission had been emphasising encouraging people to vote enthusiastically and in large numbers.

"The first is to ensure absolutely free and fair, and violence-free polls. So, the Commission has focused on making elaborate security arrangements well in advance this time to eliminate fears of intimidation from the minds of voters. At the same time, the Commission has arranged several unique and interactive programmes with common voters to spread awareness regarding the importance of their votes in democracy. The Darjeeling programme was a part of that initiative," the CEO's office insider said.

He added that another focus of the Commission this time is that not a single fake voter would remain in the voters' list and no genuine voter would be deleted from the list, which was ensured through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see efforts in Darjeeling. The hills have their own political dynamics. Hope this awareness translates into high turnout and, more importantly, a completely peaceful election. The focus on removing fake voters is crucial.
A
Aman W
While the event looks nice, I hope this isn't just for show. In previous Bengal elections, we've heard many complaints of intimidation. The ECI must ensure the "violence-free" promise is kept on ground. Actions matter more than walkathons.
S
Sarah B
The image of senior citizens and youth walking together for democracy is powerful. It bridges generations. More power to the people of Darjeeling! Let's hope for a high voter turnout.
V
Vikram M
Special Intensive Revision of voter lists is the most important part. Jitna bhi awareness kar lo, if the list itself has errors, everything is pointless. Glad the ECI is focusing on that. Bas ab shanti se voting ho jaaye.
K
Kriti O
Darjeeling waking up with a democracy call – what a lovely phrase! 🗳️ The misty hills and the pledge... it sounds almost poetic. This is the spirit we need across every state. Our vote is our voice.

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