Nagpur, Jan 15 (NationPress) As the voting process for the Maharashtra local body elections is in progress, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday highlighted the significance of elections within a democratic framework and stated that it is the responsibility of every citizen to utilize their right to vote.

Mohan Bhagwat exercised his voting rights at Bhauji Daptari English Medium School in Nagpur earlier today.

After casting his vote, the RSS Chief shared with reporters, “In a democratic system, elections are fundamental, and the duty of citizens is to participate by voting. With careful consideration and the public's best interests at heart, one should select the candidate who seems most qualified. Voting is a vital responsibility for everyone on this day, which is precisely why I arrived early to cast my vote first.”

He added that ongoing efforts are being made to promote voter engagement.

“You are also making efforts; the Election Commission continues to strive, and we too emphasize that we must endeavor. One day, the conscience of all will be stirred, and they will act rightly,” he remarked.

Regarding the NOTA (None of the Above) option, Bhagwat noted that it allows individuals to voice their dissatisfaction or unrest, which is a valid mechanism. Nevertheless, he warned against wasting votes on unworthy candidates. Drawing a parallel with the Mahabharata, he referenced Bhishma's condemnation of chaos and injustice.

“You should vote for your preferred candidate, but it is imperative that you vote,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the polling for the 29 municipal corporations commenced at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude at 5:30 p.m. Initially, elections were planned for 2,869 seats, including 227 in the BMC, but polling is now being conducted for 2,801 seats due to 68 candidates being elected unopposed. There will be no voting for these uncontested positions. Approximately 3.48 crore voters will determine the outcomes for 15,931 candidates, including 1,729 candidates in Mumbai alone. The vote counting will occur on January 16.

As per the State Election Commission, arrangements have been set up across 39,147 polling stations, equipped with 43,958 Control Units and 87,916 Ballot Units. In Mumbai, there are 10,111 polling stations featuring 11,349 Control Units and 22,698 Ballot Units.

Elections are being held in municipal corporations across significant cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, Akola, Latur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Jalna, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Ichalkaranji, Ahilyanagar, and Ulhasnagar.

These elections are taking place after more than six years, as the tenures of the municipal corporations expired between 2020 and 2023. Except for Mumbai, the remaining 28 corporations are conducting elections under a multi-member ward system, while Mumbai employs a single-member ward system.