NEW DELHI: Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), S Chockalingam, has made a strong appeal to citizens to exercise their voting rights in the ongoing assembly elections. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote on Wednesday, Chockalingam emphasized the value of every single vote, stating, “Do not think that one vote will not make a difference. It can make a difference.”
Polling Underway Across 288 Constituencies
The elections, which commenced at 7 AM, are being closely contested between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, aiming to retain power, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine, seeking to reclaim their position.
Call for Civic Responsibility
Chockalingam urged voters to treat the election day as a responsibility rather than a holiday, highlighting the critical role of voter participation in shaping the state’s future.
“Each and every vote is equally important for the state and the country. Make your vote count,” he said.
Key Early Voters
Several senior government officials were among the first to cast their votes, including:
- Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagarani
- Mumbai City Collector Sanjay Yadav
- Mumbai Suburban District Collector Rajendra Kshirsagar
Extensive Election Preparations
The CEO praised the massive effort involved in organizing the elections, noting that:
- 5 lakh state government employees and 2 lakh security personnel have been deployed.
- Preparations have been ongoing for over a month to ensure smooth and secure polling.
With the stakes high, citizens are encouraged to play their part in determining the state’s political direction.
