<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif"><b>DARJEELING,:</b> A train ride, cultural performances, cartoon characters and a walkathon were among the highlights of a mega SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) awareness drive held here on Friday to promote democratic participation among residents. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Organised by the Darjeeling Office of the District Election Officer (DEO) in connection with the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, the programme commenced with a walkathon at Chowrasta and concluded at Batasia Loop. As part of the event, participants were also taken on a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">ECI Director General (Media) Asish Goyal said, “The basic objective of this programme is to create voter awareness and increase voter turnout. I request people to come out in large numbers on election day to vote. The ECI will ensure that the elections in West Bengal are held without any violence or intimidation and are free from malpractices like bogus voting or booth jamming. The elections will be conducted in a festive manner, and I urge everyone to participate without fear.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Goyal added that the ECI has taken several initiatives to ensure voter integrity and convenience, including limiting the number of voters per polling booth to 1,200 and improving the ECI app to assist voters. He also said that all polling stations would be webcast for proper monitoring.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Following the walkathon around the Mall, an election pledge to participate in the electoral process was administered. The second phase of the event was held at Darjeeling Railway Station, where a short cultural programme was presented by members of the Sherpa community, along with a signature campaign to promote voter awareness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Guests then boarded the DHR, which included an additional open coach, and travelled to Batasia Loop, appealing to people along the route to cast their votes. Two participants dressed as cartoon characters Chhota Bheem and Chutki were a major attraction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">At Batasia Loop, voter awareness jingles were played and a Maruni dance was performed. A symbolic human chain was also formed by first-time voters around the Shaheed Bedi to demonstrate unity and commitment to democracy. First-time voters and guests also addressed the gathering.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Darjeeling District Magistrate and DEO Harishanker Panicker said, “We have taken a pledge to ensure free and fair elections. I earnestly request everyone to exercise their democratic right to vote in accordance with the principles of free and fair elections. It is the hallmark of our democracy and the foundation on which our country rests.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">Darjeeling SP Pratiksha Jharkhariya said, “We hope the people of Darjeeling will cooperate with us and ensure that April 23, the festival of democracy, remains peaceful as it has always been in the hills. We also hope for a good turnout and active participation.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif">First-time voters, expressing excitement about casting their vote for the first time, also spoke about the importance of participating in the electoral process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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