RWAs, NGOs and Delhiites encourage people to come out and vote

NEW DELHI: 'Boycott the bunkers', read a poster put up by a group of artists at India Gate as part of the Delhi election commission's initiative to encourage people to come out and vote. These artists, along with resident welfare organizations in the city, have started a campaign to boycott people who don't vote this time, for a day.

On a sunny winter afternoon, many artists, RWAs, NGO and Delhiites gathered at the India Gate lawns to attend 'Voice of Vote', a concert organized by the commission. "This time we are asking people in every residential colony to boycott people who don't have an ink mark on their finger. People have to realize the importance of their vote. This is the least we can do for our country. If they don't vote, they have no right to complain," said Rajiv Kakria, president of GK-I RWA, who has been actively working with the commission to create awareness.

Unlike the last assembly elections, this time the poll panel is making every effort to encourage greater participation in the process. Sunday's event was one such attempt. The event, which had an impressive line-up of artistes—Euphoria, Parikrama, Shibani Kashyap were some prominent names—was a success. A group of disabled people, part of Ability Unlimited, also performed at the event. It started at 1pm and by sunset the ground was packed.

"I came a little early so I could play with my kid in the lawns before watching Euphoria's performance. I always vote though some of my friends don't. But I'm sure they too will vote this time as they have the right to reject: the NOTA option,” said Kartik from Shastri Park. Not just youngsters, many old couples had also come to enjoy the musical evening. "This is a good initiative to connect with voters. We have a big network of people," said Rakesh Talwar, president of Rotary International whose members are campaigning in residential colonies.

Apart from the concert, Flavour of Art, Delhi RWAs and Rotary International had organized a painting competition at the venue. Children, youngsters, senior citizens and professional artists took part in it. The poll panel has roped in many NGOs, activists and RWAs to ensure a good turnout. Officials claim to have got a good response from RWAs of upscale areas like GK, Vasant Kunj and Vasant Vihar that have a low turnout. In the Greater Kailash constituency, Citizens' Alliance, an NGO, has put up hoardings and posters asking resident to come out in large numbers to vote. "We have been working in the area for close to two months. Areas like GK-I and II have registered very low voter turnout in the past. We want to change this. It is high time we start taking our basic responsibility as citizens seriously," said Ashutosh Dikshit, president of The Citizens' Alliance.