NGOs launch campaign to apprise people of ballot power

Ballot is stronger than the bullet and two Dehra Dun-based NGOs have decided to carry the message to the masses, urging them to vote after turnout at polling booths took a nosedive with each phase.     

These NGOs -RLEK and PRAGATI - are organising a march as part of a voters' awareness campaign here today to apprise electors of the power and value of the ballot. "The turnout of voters is decreasing in every election, which is a big cause for concern.

Through this campaign we are trying to tell people about the value and power of voting right," RLEK Chairman Avadhash Kaushal said. However, these NGOs don't favour the idea of making voting compulsory as suggested by BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate L K Advani.  

"This type of suggestion is anti-democratic. We have to create an awareness so that people cast their votes willingly," he said. In the first lap of the five-phased Lok Sabha polls, an estimated 60 per cent voters exercised their franchise but the number slumped to 55 per cent in the second phase, just a week later on April 23.     

In the third phase on April 30, only an estimated 50 per cent voters turned up at the poll booths. The lowest turnout of about 26 per cent was in the Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kaushal said RLEK would display graffiti and placards and distribute pamphlets among the people, highlighting the role of democracy as well as civil rights of the people. Anil Prakash Joshi, who is heading HESCO, another Dehra Dun-based NGO, also appealed to people to effectively use their voting rights so as to create a healthy democratic atmosphere in the country.     

"If people are aware, we can stop all those candidates whose credentials are dubious," Joshi said. Bimal Bhai, a social activist, has also asked the people not to forgo their right of franchise. "At least in the last two phases, people must vote," said Bimal Bhai, who is campaigning against the degradation of ecosystem of the Himalayas.     

The fourth and fifth phases of the polling will be held on May 7 and May 13, respectively.