Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said the independence and impartiality of the ECI were central to ensuring free and fair elections in a diverse and populous nation. Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasised that political democracy could endure only when supported by social democracy and ethical participation by voters. Addressing the state-level celebrations of the 16th National Voters’ Day at Ravindra Bharathi here on Sunday, the Governor said the theme “My India, My Vote” reflected the foundational principle that citizens are at the heart of Indian democracy.

He called upon the people to actively and responsibly exercise their right to vote, asserting that democratic institutions remain strong only when voters participate with awareness and integrity.The National Voters’ Day is observed every year on January 25 to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Earlier, Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, C. Sudharsan Reddy, briefed the gathering on voter enrolment and electoral preparedness in the State. He said Telangana has 3.39 crore electors across 119 Assembly constituencies in 33 districts, supported by 35,895 polling stations. The electorate includes 1.68 crore male, 1.70 crore female and 2,890 transgender voters, with a net increase of about 3.93 lakh electors since National Voters’ Day 2025.

The CEO said enrolment of young voters and senior citizens had recorded steady growth and reiterated that electoral roll revisions were intended to remove duplicate and ineligible entries, not genuine voters. He highlighted voter-centric reforms introduced by the ECI, including enhanced remuneration for Booth Level Officers, four qualifying dates each year for enrolment and digital services through ECINET, enabling online voter registration and updation.

The event was attended by State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini, additional chief electoral officer Vasam Venkateshwar Reddy, GHMC commissioner and District Election Officer, Hyderabad, R.V. Karnan, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Harisingh, and other senior election officials.

Karan receives special award from Governor on National Voters’ Day

On the occasion of the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations, GHMC Commissioner and Hyderabad District Election Officer R.V. Karnan was conferred with a special award by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Ravindra Bharathi here on Sunday.

This accolade was awarded in acknowledgment of the successful, peaceful, and transparent execution of the Jubilee Hills assembly by-election.

The Governor commended the innovative use of drone surveillance technology during the by-election.  He appreciated the proactive measures adopted by the election machinery under the leadership of R.V. Karnan, which ensured effective monitoring, enhanced security and smooth execution of the polling process.