The BBMP along with the State Election Commission organised an event as part of a campaign to create awareness among young voters, at the Central College auditorium on Tuesday.
Loud cheers for the videos screened at the end of the session indicated that the campaign, ‘Together We Vote’, was a success with the college-going crowd. The videos focused on the importance of voting and the need to be proactive. The Palike also roped in Kannada film actor, Chetan.
Ten representatives from various colleges in the City participated in the event. Subsequently, these ten will organise awareness rallies at their respective colleges. Later, students will be roped in to create awareness and ensure more people vote.
Students were invited to share their thoughts, following which they took an oath. “As citizens of the country, who have firm faith in democracy, we pledge to cast our vote in every election without being carried away by factors such as religion, caste, community or language,” they vowed.
Deepak, a student from Government RC College, said the Palike’s decision to conduct an awareness campaign of this sort is helpful. “Youth are of the opinion that election only means campaigning. They also have negative conceptions about voting. This event has motivated many,” he said.
Manpower shortage
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, BBMP Commissioner N Kumar Naik said to overcome the shortage of manpower, male government staff from Ramanagara district have been roped in. “They will undergo training tomorrow. We were in need of 4,500 additional staff,” he said.