President Kovind compares voting to 'spiritual rite'

On the occasion of National Voters Day, President Ram Nath Kovind compared voting in elections to spiritual rite and every single vote to offerings.

"The President said that voting in elections is a spiritual rite in a democracy, with every single vote as a sacred offering. Our Constitution empowers an independent Election Commission," said President Kovind who attended the event as a chief guest on Thursday.

The National Voters Day was organised by Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi that was graced by President Ram Nath Kovind along with Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

President further averred that the main aim of celebrating the event is to encourage voters to enthusiastically in the democratic process.

"We have been celebrating National Voters Day on January 25 every year since 2011. The aim is to encourage our voters to participate enthusiastically in the democratic process. And that is why the relevance of this day is even more pronounced on the eve of Republic Day," added President Kovind.

The President also congratulated young voters who have just turned 18 and got the right to vote for the first time.

"And our election process makes every vote important, with the right to equality and freedom. As such Indian democracy is known through the world for its maturity and stability," said President Kovind.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad lauded the Election Commission for its efficiency in conducting elections.

"The way Election Commission has conducted elections in the last 70 years is extraordinary, India has 86 crore voters and 10 Lakh polling booths across India", said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"Today India welcomes those who perform and shows doors to the who don't perform. This performance-based politics is necessary for our democracy", he added.