National Voters’ Day Marked as Political Exchanges Continue

New Delhi: India observed National Voters’ Day on Sunday, marking the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. The day is celebrated annually on January 25 to encourage voter participation and awareness of democratic processes. 

Its theme this year is “My India, My Vote” with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy”. President Droupadi Murmu was scheduled to be chief guest at official observances in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation and urged citizens to take part in democratic processes by voting, calling being a voter “not just a constitutional privilege but an important duty”. He described voters as crucial to shaping India’s future and encouraged first-time voters to view their participation as significant. Modi also wrote a letter to MY-Bharat volunteers, urging them to spread awareness about voter enrolment and celebrating when someone becomes a registered voter.

On the same occasion, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of inclusive participation and said active involvement in elections strengthens democratic values.

In the broader political context on Sunday, ongoing political rhetoric continued among major parties ahead of forthcoming elections.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has drawn public and political attention. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen described the process as rushed and potentially “unfair to democracy”, warning it could exclude eligible voters ahead of elections. Protests over the manner of SIR implementation led to a temporary rail blockade near Burdwan, West Bengal, as residents expressed concerns about verification notices.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that the SIR process has been used improperly, accusing the BJP and the Election Commission of acting in concert in what he described as an effort to undermine voters’ rights.

These developments occurred amid active election preparations nationwide, including civic polls in states such as Maharashtra, where municipal election results are being noted as part of evolving political dynamics.