Jammu, January 25, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday graced the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in Jammu, urging citizens—especially the youth—to recognise the transformative power of their vote and exercise their franchise with responsibility and wisdom, asserting that every ballot strengthens democracy and shapes India’s collective future.
Addressing officers and participants at the event, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need to spread awareness about the profound power of voting and motivate citizens to exercise it with thoughtful prudence. He said informed participation in elections is key to building a strong, fair and flourishing India.
“Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nation’s edifice. Elections are far more than present-day choices; they embody our sacred duty to posterity, to our collective destiny, and to democratic resilience,” LG Sinha said. He added that the right to vote reinforces accountability, transparency and responsive governance, calling it the most potent expression of citizens’ aspirations and convictions.
Highlighting India’s democratic strength, the Lieutenant Governor said that while many nations gained independence alongside India, democracy has flourished most robustly 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.
LG Sinha congratulated the youth and citizens who received their first complete opportunity to vote after decades and lauded the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Office, J&K, for the successful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha and J&K Legislative Assembly elections.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, trust in democracy has deepened. Record participation in 2024 proves that people see voting as a duty, not merely a right,” he observed.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Voters’ Day pledge and felicitated District Election Officers, senior civil and police officials, youth icons and stakeholders. He also distributed Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) to new voters.
The celebrations featured cultural performances by artists, youth and social organisations, creatively highlighting the importance of voting, which received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor. A video message from Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, was also screened.
Among those present were Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti; Chief Electoral Officer J&K Sanjeev Verma; IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, along with senior officials, prominent citizens and a large number of youth.
