Collector and District Election Officer Jitendra Yadav urges citizens to use their franchise wisely as National Voters’ Day is observed in Rajnandgaon with felicitation of new voters and outstanding BLOs.
Published on: January 25, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
On the occasion of National Voters’ Day, a district-level समारोह was organized today at the District Panchayat auditorium, Rajnandgaon. District and Sessions Judge Shri Vijay Kumar Hota attended the programme as chief guest, while Collector and District Election Officer Shri Jitendra Yadav was present as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, District and Sessions Judge Shri Vijay Kumar Hota said that January 25 is celebrated every year as National Voters’ Day to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, a day ahead of Republic Day. Referring to Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, he stated that voting is not only a constitutional right but also a constitutional duty.
He quoted observations of the Supreme Court, highlighting that while the right to vote is crucial, free and fair elections are equally important in the world’s largest democracy. He emphasized that citizens become eligible to vote after attaining 18 years of age and noted that the primary objective of National Voters’ Day is to encourage electoral participation and connect youth with the democratic process.
Shri Hota explained that citizens who exercise their voting rights are active voters, while those who abstain become inactive voters—resulting in institutional loss rather than personal loss. He stressed the need to transform inactive voters into active participants. By electing representatives, citizens express their collective voice, enabling public issues to reach appropriate forums for resolution. He described elections as a festival of democracy and urged young voters to make maximum use of their voting rights.
Collector and District Election Officer Shri Jitendra Yadav extended greetings on the occasion and highlighted the historical roots of democracy in India. He said voting empowers citizens to choose their representatives and governments—rights denied during British rule. After independence, Indians gained electoral power, and despite numerous challenges, the country successfully established a robust democratic system.
He recalled the 61st Constitutional Amendment, which reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 to encourage greater youth participation. Emphasizing responsible voting, Shri Yadav appealed to citizens to rise above narrow considerations of caste, religion and gender, and instead vote for candidates committed to education, healthcare and basic civic amenities. He also encouraged youth not only to vote but to actively motivate others to participate in elections.
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During the programme, District and Sessions Judge Shri Vijay Kumar Hota administered the Voters’ Awareness Pledge to officials, employees and citizens. Newly enrolled voters were honoured with badges, while Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who delivered outstanding performance were presented certificates of appreciation. Senior citizens and differently-abled voters were also felicitated with coconuts (shrifal) as a mark of respect.
The event was attended by CEO Zila Panchayat Ms Suruchi Singh, Deputy District Election Officer Shri Prakash Tandon, District Literacy Project Officer Ms Rashmi Singh, along with BLOs, senior citizens, differently-abled voters, youth and other members of the public.
