Importance of adult franchise, traffic advisory highlighted ahead of Lok Sabha poll in Assam

DIPHU — In an effort to create awareness on the importance of adult franchise ahead of the second phase of Lok Sabha election in Assam, the State Voter’s Electoral Education and Participation (SVEEP) cell organised a cycle rally on Monday. The event was participated by state icon Rakesh Banik, a para-cyclist, and district icon Khorsing Terang along with youth and NCC cadres.

The cycle rally flagged off from the District Commissioner’s office and crossed Diphu Market (TOP) before culminating at Gandhi Park, Diphu bus stand.

Dressed in traditional attires, the participants were seen holding placards that read: ‘My vote is not for sale’; ‘If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain’; ‘Belief in the power of your vote’, among others.

In a short interaction with the participants, Rakesh Banik said that election is an important event in a democracy, to choose a right and unbiased candidate who can stand for the cause of the people.

‘Every person has to struggle and there is no person here who has not undergone any difficulties in life. On the voting day, voters should come out from home to cast their vote in polling booths,’ said Banik, who has one of his legs amputated due to an accident.

Terang also urged the people to cast their valuable votes, saying that a 100% voter turnout is expected on the polling day.

Meanwhile, the District Commissioner (DC) and District Election Officer of Karbi Anglong, Madhumita Bhagawati, told media persons ahead of the polling day on April 26 that the preparations and electioneering process for the 6- Diphu (ST) Parliamentary Constituency is almost ready.

She informed that there are 8,92,789 voters in the constituency, out of which 4,45,084 are males and 4,47,705 female.

SP of Karbi Anglong, Sanjib Kr. Saikia, informed strong rooms for keeping EVMs and VVPATs and the counting of votes will be doneat Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), 5th Miles Diphu-Manja Road.

To avoid traffic in front of ISBT, vehicles from Diphu going towards Dillai, Bokajan, Dimapur and Silonijan will have to take Birla-Hapjan road by taking right diversion in front of Diphu Presbyterian Church, it was informed. Likewise, vehicles from Manja coming towards Diphu, will have to take Rongplimplan via Hapjan-Birla road or Manja via Disama- Taralangso road.