In the midst of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee, alongside his wife Shabana Raza, visibly demonstrated their commitment to their civic responsibilities on Monday by stepping out to cast their votes. The couple was seen at a polling station in Mumbai, fulfilling their democratic duties and urging fellow citizens to participate in this crucial process. “This is the biggest festival and everyone should vote as you will get this opportunity after 5 years. If you haven’t voted then you have no right to complain…,” Manoj passionately expressed, encapsulating the significance of voting in a democracy.
After casting their votes, the couple did not retreat into obscurity but instead took to social media to amplify their message. Manoj Bajpayee shared photos on Instagram, proudly displaying their inked fingers—a mark of their participation in the electoral process. The post resonated with many, underscoring the pivotal role of each vote in shaping the nation’s future.
Reflecting their enthusiasm for the democratic exercise, the actor penned a heartfelt message in Hindi alongside their pictures, “#BhaiyyaJi aur Bhabhi Ji ne vote de diya. Aap sabhi se nivedhan hai ki matdaan karein aur apne loktantrik adhikar ka upyog karein,” which translates to “We have voted. I request you all to vote and use your democratic right.” This public declaration served as both an inspiration and a gentle reminder to those who might be complacent about voting.
The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections kicked off on Monday at 7 am, continuing until 6 pm, with provisions in place to ensure that every individual in line by the designated closing time would still be able to vote. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), this phase saw a staggering participation of over 8.95 crore voters.
. The electorate comprises approximately 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and an inclusive 5409 third-gender electors. These voters are poised to decide the fate of 695 candidates in this critical stage of voting.
The fifth phase of polling has been characterized by its high-stakes contests across various key constituencies. Prominent political figures such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, along with LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya, are all vying for success, making this a particularly dynamic and competitive phase.
The geographical spread of this voting phase spans eight states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. These regions collectively encompass 49 Lok Sabha seats, divided as follows: Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), Maharashtra (13 seats), West Bengal (7 seats), Bihar (5 seats), Jharkhand (3 seats), Odisha (5 seats), with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh holding one seat each.
To maintain the integrity and peace of the electoral process, extensive security and surveillance measures have been instituted. The ECI has deployed an impressive array of resources, including 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams. Together, these units are tasked with ensuring round-the-clock monitoring across the 94,732 polling stations, aimed at fostering a secure and conducive environment for voters.
While the buzz around the elections continues to escalate, Manoj Bajpayee’s appeal serves as a poignant reminder of the essence of democracy—the power vested in the vote. His public admonition that those who abstain from voting lose the moral right to criticize governance resonates strongly, particularly in a nation where democratic participation is both a right and a responsibility.
This moment, framed by Bajpayee and Raza’s civic actions, not only highlights the importance of voting but also inspires others to follow suit. Their participation underscores the role of public figures in mobilizing and motivating the masses to engage with the democratic process, making every election a true reflection of the people’s will.
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