CBC Voter Awareness Van to Travel across 15 districts, 133 constituencies in Maharashtra

CBC Voter Awareness Van to Spread the Message of Voting ; CBC Folk Artists to Spread Voter Awareness Through Traditional Cultural Performances Across Maharashtra

Mumbai, 12th November 2024: The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Pune Regional Office, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has officially launched its voter awareness campaign in an event today, 8th November 2024 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. This was as part of the State-Level Launch of Voter Awareness Program by Chief Electoral Office under SVEEP ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections 2024.

The event witnessed the participation of several prominent celebrities, including Rohit Shetty, Ananya Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Varsha Usgaonkar, Bharti Singh, and Harsh Limbachiya, who made special appeals to voters, encouraging citizens to cast their ballots.

In India, if we have a voice, it is because we exercise our right to vote. If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain. We are born in a democracy, and not every country is the same. We are fortunate to be Indians." – Rohit Shetty.

Encouraging the citizens, Transgender Rights Activist Gauri Sawant mentioned that, "There are many things we inherit from our parents, but it is only the Right to Vote that is bestowed upon us by the Constitution. A special thanks to the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra for increasing the number of transgender voters from 1,000 to 6,000."

“I appeal to all Divyang voters to come out and cast their vote. The Election Commission of India has made many special arrangements to ensure a smooth voting experience for them." Disability Rights Activist Nilesh Singit said.

Indian Cricketer Ajinkya Rahane said that, "It is important to step forward and vote to make your presence felt in society. Every vote matter, so come out and vote."

The campaign, aimed at increasing voter participation and educating citizens about the election process, was kicked off in the presence of Deputy Election Commissioner, Election Commission of India, Hirdesh Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, S. Chockalingam, , Deputy, CEO, Maharashtra, Kiran Kulkarni. Transgender Rights Activist, Shri Gauri Sawant, Disability Rights Activist, Nilesh Singit, Senior Actor Padmashri Manoj Joshi, Senior actor Varsha Usgaonkar, Musician and Singer Milind Ingale were also present.

As part of this extensive awareness initiative, the CBC Voter Awareness Van was officially inaugurated and will begin its journey tomorrow. This van will travel across 15 districts and 133 constituencies in Maharashtra, including areas with historically low voter turnout. The van will distribute crucial information regarding voting procedures, polling station locations, the model code of conduct, and details on how to file complaints for any violations. The campaign will utilise audiovisual mediums to ensure that the maximum number of citizens are informed and engaged.

In addition to the mobile awareness campaign, video messages from key dignitaries, including senior administrative officers and popular Maharashtra celebrities, will be displayed on LED screens throughout the state, urging citizens to vote. To further engage the public, the CBC folk artists will be conducting cultural performances, spreading the message of voting through traditional art forms.

The campaign, which will run until 20th November 2024, has been supported by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and various district administrations, working collaboratively to ensure the highest voter participation in the state elections, stated a press release.