How Can Democracy Thrive on Responsible Voting? Telangana Guv Speaks
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Responsible voting is vital for the strength of democracy.
- The theme “My India, My Vote” reflects citizen importance.
- Telangana has a significant number of registered voters.
- Initiatives enhance inclusiveness and transparency in elections.
- Modern technology is being leveraged for electoral processes.
Hyderabad, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, urged the public on Sunday to engage in their voting rights with a sense of responsibility, emphasizing that the strength of our democratic institutions hinges on the informed and ethical participation of voters.
While celebrating the 16th National Voters’ Day at the state level, the Governor highlighted that the theme “My India, My Vote” symbolizes the core belief that the citizens are fundamental to the democratic framework of India.
Every year on January 25, National Voters’ Day is celebrated to honor the founding of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Governor pointed to Article 324 of the Constitution, stating that the autonomy and impartiality of the ECI are crucial for conducting free and fair elections in a diverse and populous nation.
He quoted B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, asserting that political democracy can only be sustained when it is backed by social democracy and ethical voter participation.
Governor Varma commended Telangana’s electoral administration for fostering inclusiveness and transparency through various initiatives, including guaranteed minimum facilities at polling stations, home voting for eligible citizens, and the integration of modern technology.
He also praised officials for their effective management of the Jubilee Hills Assembly bye-election, highlighting the strategic use of drone surveillance and police presence to ensure law and order during the voting process.
C. Sudharsan Reddy, the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, provided insights on voter registration and election preparedness in the state. He reported that Telangana boasts 3.39 crore registered voters across 119 Assembly constituencies in 33 districts, supported by 35,895 polling stations.
The electorate comprises 1.68 crore male, 1.70 crore female, and 2,890 transgender voters, with a net increase of approximately 3.93 lakh voters since National Voters’ Day 2025.
Reddy noted that the registration of young voters and senior citizens has shown consistent growth and reiterated that electoral roll updates aim to eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, not genuine voters.
He also emphasized the voter-focused reforms initiated by the ECI, such as increased remuneration for Booth Level Officers, four enrollment qualifying dates each year, and digital services via ECINET, which facilitate online voter registration and updates.
Among those present at the event were State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vasam Venkateshwar Reddy, GHMC Commissioner and District Election Officer for Hyderabad R.V. Karnan, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Harisingh, and other senior electoral officials.