CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah on Wednesday urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that the democracy became a fully participatory one. Speaking on the occasion of the second National Voters’ Day celebrations at the Raj Bhavan, he said the EC had been taking efforts to ensure that thedemocracy was strengthened and deepened in our country. “I commend the EC for its contribution in taking the nation forward from strength to strength and for bringing stability to our democratic system.”Referring to the recent Assembly elections in the state, Rosaiah said that there was a record voter turnout of 78 per cent. “It isthe faith and trust that the people have in the EC and in the democratic process that led to a record turnout,” he said and added, “voting is not only a democratic right but also a patriotic duty. People should accept from the bottom of their hearts that their vote is an important weapon for deciding their future and not a purchasable commodity to be sold for money.”Furthering his suggestion, the Governor said the clarity of purpose shown by the voters in the 2011 election needed to be internalisednot only by all voters but all those who were likely to become voters in the near future. “The EC and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in the state need to see that our democracy becomes a fully participatory one and not limited to certain groups and classes. Though deepening of democracy has taken place in the past few decades, there are still a large number of people who remain outside the democratic process,” Rosaiah said.He also expressed his concern over the educated and growing middle class shying away from participating in the electoral process.Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar said that Tamil Nadu had better infrastructure when compared to other states and the awareness on exercising the franchise among the youth was also much better.Later, Rosaiah distributed EPIC cards to 45 first-time voters inducted into the electoral rolls. Sowmiyapriya, III year BBA student from MGRJanaki College, sporting the EPIC, told City Express that she was glad to be acknowledged as a responsible Indian citizen. “I would definitely exercise my franchise and will fulfill my patriotic duty.” As many as 33 lakh first-time voters were included in the electoral rolls and will get their opportunity to caste their votes in the ensuing elections.
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