Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that creating awareness among voters at the grassroots level for free and fare elections is a paramount task of serving the nation. He appreciated the Election Commission's innovations. He called for the best of efforts by stating the need for everyone’s trust and efforts to make the election process inclusive and easy.

Patel was addressing the 14th National Voters’ Day function organized at Kushabhau Thackeray Convention Centre. He administered voters’ oath to the people present. Awards were given to officers and employees for their excellent performance in the election process and winners of competitions organized by the Commission.

EPIC cards were distributed to new voters. He also inaugurated a photo exhibition organized by the Commission. Coffee table book ‘Loktantra ke rang’ was released. The video message of Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner of Election Commission of India was also broadcast in the programme.

Patel said that the record of 77.82 percent voting in the recently held Assembly elections is a proof of our democratic maturity in achieving the objectives of social, economic and political justice enshrined in the Constitution. This achievement is reflective of people’s faith in democracy and an indication of the people’s unwavering faith in the welfare deeds of the government. He congratulated the voters, Election Commission, political parties, administration and media for the success of the great festival of democracy.

Governor Patel has told the youth that you are the future leaders of the country. It is your responsibility to strengthen Indian democracy by increasing awareness of the importance of voting. He appreciated the Election Commission team for its innovations in spreading election related information and facilitating the voting process.

Referring to the Commission’s concern regarding the voting of migrant workers, State Election Commissioner BP Singh said that the Election Commission of India is continuously making efforts to make voting inclusive and accessible. Former Chief Election Commissioner of India O.P. Rawat, referring to the challenges of universal suffrage in the first elections held in the country, Rawat said that the officers and employees should take inspiration from the commitment and efficiency with which the Election Commission of India. He praised the Chief Electoral Officer of the state for the successful conduct of the Legislative Assembly 2023 elections. The Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan gave a welcome. The vote of thanks was expressed by Collector Bhopal Kaushendra Vikram Singh.

Patel felicitated Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, K.C. Gupta for his remarkable contribution in creating voter awareness as a SVEEP partner department of the Election Commission of India. The Governor thanked Collector Seoni Kshitij Singhal for successfully conducting the Legislative Assembly Elections 2023 and overall excellent work in the elections.