Urban voters’ indifference defeating the purpose of democracy: SEC

Dharwad

State Election Commissioner GS Sangreshi regretted that the participation of urban population in democratic process is not up to the expected level and said this indifferent attitude will defeat the very purpose of democracy.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Indian democracy and the role of elections in shaping its future' at a function organised by the department of political science at Karnatak Arts College, he said elections provide an important tool to the voters to elect able candidates as their representatives, but during elections, the voter turnout in urban areas is poor when compared to that in rural areas.

Urban voters who complain of bad governance shy away from performing their duty when it comes to voting. In contrast, we find that rural voters participate in the electoral process with much enthusiasm, Sangreshi, who is an alumnus of the college, said.

He called upon the youths not to fall prey to inducements while casting their votes and merit of the candidate should alone be the criteria for voting.

Reflecting on his own student days, he said Karnataka College had played a major role in shaping his career and thanked all those who helped him.

KU registrar A Chennappa released the college miscellany ‘Ninaada'. Political science department Chairman Suresh Hullannavar spoke. Principal DB Karadoni presided over the function.