It’s not just corporates and political parties who are asking voters to exercise their franchise in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Local non-governmental organisations in Chandigarh too, for the first time, have pitched in to increase the voting percentage.
The Union Territory of Chandigarh goes to polls on May 13. The voting percentage was around 50 per cent in the last two Lok Sabha elections.
Ajay Jagga, a local lawyer has launched a website — www.votechandigarh.com — to enhance the voting percentage. “More than 6,200 people have visited the site till date and made enquiries like where to vote, how to make a voter I card, how to check the name in a voter’s list, etc. For good governance, good parliamentarians are a must and this can be achieved only if everyone votes,” he says.
Similarly, Rahul Bhartiya, marketing head of Vatika group, a real estate firm, has started a campaign to motivate people. “We want that the right people to represent us. We are appealing to people to vote by sending SMS, blogging, organising meetings and seminars, besides targeting them through print and electronic media.”
The Chandigarh chapter of Art of Living is also urging the electors in the tricity of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula to exercise their franchise.
Umesh Ghai, coordinator (Chandigarh chapter) of Art of Living, said with around 20,000 followers in the tricity, Art of Living was hoping at least its followers would be able to make a difference by participating in the elections.
The foundation expects more people to vote on May 13 as it is also the birthday of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.