The city witnessed an enthusiastic display of civic duty on Wednesday as prominent figures, including corporate leaders, political stalwarts, and esteemed officials, stepped out to cast their votes for the Assembly elections. Demonstrating commitment to democracy, they were seen waiting in line alongside other citizens, setting an inspiring example for residents.
TV Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, made a special trip from Mumbai, accompanied by his wife Ruchi Narendran, to cast his vote at the Loyola School polling station. Clad in a navy blue T-shirt and black trousers, Narendran’s casual attire and warm demeanor drew the attention of onlookers as he stood in line like any other voter.
This notable sight brought a sense of pride and community spirit among fellow voters, as the corporate leader waited his turn at the polling booth. Despite the booth's VIP status, a steady stream of citizens turned up, undeterred by the presence of high-profile visitors, underscoring a collective commitment to the electoral process.
Senior Congress candidate Dr. Ajoy Kumar, along with his wife Reena Arya, was among the early voters. After offering prayers at the Hanuman temple, they cast their votes at booth number 148 at Shiksha Niketan School in Telco. Addressing the media, Dr. Kumar emphasized the significance of voting as a cornerstone of democracy. He urged the people of Jamshedpur to actively participate, reminding them that voting is essential to sustaining a strong democratic foundation. "Vote first, then celebrate,” he said, encouraging people to embrace the privilege and duty of casting their ballots.
In another display of support for democracy, District Election Officer Ananya Mittal, who voted with his family at Loyola School, made a similar appeal to the district’s residents, emphasizing that large voter turnout is essential for a thriving democratic society.
Saryu Roy, the NDA candidate from Jamshedpur West, cast his vote at KMP Vocational College in Bistupur. Roy, known for his strong stance on voter participation, encouraged every eligible resident to exercise their right to vote. “Only by using our franchise do we fortify democracy,” he remarked, adding that the Jamshedpur West seat often sees close contests, making each vote even more crucial. Addressing campaign slogans, he highlighted that the "If the seats are divided, they will be cut" slogan has been a response to Congress’s focus on uniting minority votes. He noted the slogan has seen resonance both in the state and across the country, reflecting NDA’s confidence in the people's choice.
Raghubar Das, Governor of Odisha, returned to his home district to vote. Accompanied by his daughter-in-law, BJP candidate Purnima Sahu, he proudly fulfilled his civic duty. "By voting, we are strengthening the democratic pillars of our society," Governor Das said. Sahu, who is contesting the Jamshedpur East seat, echoed the sentiment, noting that her vote was cast with the nation’s growth and democratic future in mind. She expressed her hope that her fellow citizens would prioritize voting to contribute to a stronger, more unified nation.
