Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner (EC) Shri Anup Chandra Pandey today launched the Statewide Special Summary Revision (SSR) 2023 in Pune through various voter awareness activities. The day started with CEC and EC participating in a cycle rally themed ‘Pedal for Participatory Elections’ which started from Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Mhalunge Sports Complex in Balewadi early in the morning. The rally was flagged by voters from various sections of society, including transgender persons, persons with disabilities, women, youth and others. Many prominent people from the city including film personality Nagraj Manjule, Olympians Anjali Bhagwat, Manoj Pingale, Ajit Lakra and Trangender Acitivist Saanvi Jethwani. Over 200 people volunteered in the cycles to spread the message of ‘No Voter Left Behind’ and create awareness about inclusive and accessible elections and the importance of registering to vote and participating in the democratic process.
Many others cheered the cyclists on the 20 km route covering popular parts of the city like Baner Road, Pune University Square, Raj Bhavan, Bremen Square, Parihar Square, Medi-point Hospital, Jupiter Hospital and Ganraj Square, which was covered before returning to start. point Balewadi Stadium. Noticing the high urban apathy and low youth voter turnout in Pune, the Election Commission participated in a cyclical voter rally in the city to motivate and mobilize the youth and the society at large to proactively participate in the election process. In all the states across the country, such awareness activities are organized on a massive scale by the Chief Electoral Officers concerned to create awareness and mobilize the participation of all stakeholders during the special summary review exercise.
Speaking on the occasion, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar said, “We want to request all voters in urban areas, all young people to participate in the electoral process, register and vote. Only with your vote will the democratic traditions become absolutely robust and strong”. The CEC said there is scope for increasing voter turnout from urban areas. This, he said, is the reason for the national launch of SSR 2023 from the city of Pune. Although a comprehensive revision is done every year, the Election Commission is launching a very targeted drive this year to increase voter turnout and launch it across the country from Pune, he added. He further said, “Some cities don’t really do that kind of polling and in urban areas we have to cover a whole range of areas and that’s why this bike rally was organized to create awareness”.
During the cycle rally, the CEC also stopped at certain places and interacted with the localities to motivate them to be a part of the election process. The people of Kasturba Vasahat gave an enthusiastic welcome to the Election Commission and the CEC requested the Director General, Maharashtra to facilitate the registration of all eligible voters from the area. Election Commissioner Shri Anup Chandra Pandey said that the special summary revision is for registration of new adults. He further added that everyone should register as a voter and also spread the message of voter awareness to strengthen our democracy. Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer Shri Shrikant Deshpande said that unique activities like cycle rallies are being organized for citizens in urban areas to motivate them to participate in the election process in large numbers. He further informed that voter lists will be read on November 10 in every gram sabha of the state. The Maharashtra CEO is also organizing voter registration camps in every college in the state, he added. Pune District Election Officer Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh assured all establishments and special camps to enroll eligible voters in Pune city during SSR 2023 for a healthy and inclusive voter list.
