Evaluate character of contestants before casting vote: Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat today appealed to voters to do a due diligence of candidates contesting the 2014 elections.
"...First and foremost ensure that names figure in the voters' list and than minutely evaluate the policies of contending political parties and also the character of the candidates while exercising the franchise," Bhagwat said here today.
He was addressing the annual Vijayadashmi celebrations at the sprawling Reshimbagh ground in city.
Citing recent Supreme Court ruling, the RSS chief said, "Since the apex court has given an option of rejection in the voting machines, therefore the electorate should be careful since the opportunity comes only in five years".

Bhagwat said RSS did not indulge in politics and on the contrary politics was a hurdle in the RSS activities.
Former Rajya Sabha Member and Padma Bhushan-awardee Dr Lokesh Singh was the chief guest on the occasion.

"Our responsibility of selecting good candidates does not end here but we have to keep a watch on their performance during the next five years once they are elected", Bhagwat said.
He said, "Our voting should be based on purely on issues and parties who can serve national interests and candidates with integrity should be elected".
Bhagwat asked voters not to be carried away by "deceptive propaganda or stratagem" by political parties.