Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar appealed to the people of the state to exercise their right to vote freely and without fear in the upcoming assembly elections.
In a message issued on the eve of the polls, the governor stated that voting is not only a democratic right but also a duty, and must be carried out with utmost diligence and responsibility.
"Each vote is crucial in shaping the future of our state and will strengthen the foundations of democracy," he said.
He urged citizens to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes without fear or inducement, in order to uphold democratic values.
Arlekar called for active public participation and urged voters to rise above apathy and ensure that every eligible citizen exercises their right to vote with awareness and integrity, noting that such engagement is essential for the nation's progress.
After nearly a month-long campaign, a total of 2.71 crore voters will exercise their right to vote to decide the fate of 883 candidates in the crucial elections for the 140-member assembly, to be held on Thursday.