Coimbatore: Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar on Friday congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu for recording an impressive 4.93 crore votes in the recent Assembly elections, describing it as the highest number of votes polled in the state since Independence.
He also lauded the voters for achieving nearly 86 per cent turnout, calling it the highest polling percentage recorded in Tamil Nadu in the post Independence era.
Speaking to media persons at the airport here, the Chief Election Commissioner said the massive participation reflected the deep rooted democratic spirit and political awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu.
He noted that such high voter engagement strengthened the foundations of India’s electoral democracy and set a benchmark for other states.
Kumar emphasised that the successful conduct of the elections and the record turnout were a collective achievement of the voters, election officials, security personnel and all stakeholders involved in the process.
Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Coimbatore on Friday evening and was received by the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu along with senior election officials. His visit comes at a time when the Election Commission continues to focus on consolidating the gains of high voter participation and further improving the electoral process across the country.
On Saturday, the Chief Election Commissioner will attend the 30th Convocation Ceremony of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore Campus, as the Chief Guest. During the ceremony, he is scheduled to address the graduating students, faculty members and other dignitaries.
Sources indicated that CEC Kumar is expected to speak on the importance of informed citizenship, the role of youth in strengthening democratic institutions, and the need for greater public participation in the electoral process.
The Chief Election Commissioner’s visit to Tamil Nadu is being seen as a recognition of the state’s strong democratic credentials.
Officials associated with the Election Commission noted that Tamil Nadu’s performance in the recent polls demonstrated the effectiveness of systematic voter education campaigns, efficient management of polling stations and the use of technology in facilitating smooth voting.
With the record number of votes and the highest turnout percentage since Independence, voters of Tamil Nadu have once again affirmed that the state is one of the most vibrant democratic states in the country.
Gyanesh Kumar’s presence in Coimbatore and his scheduled address at the university convocation are expected to further highlight the importance of civic engagement and electoral participation among the younger generation.
(IANS)
