November 20, 2024, was an amazing day of "Jan Bhagidari"

It was a pleasure to see the citizens of Mumbai in action, especially in the Indifferent to Vote South Mumbai. From Cuffe Parade to Worli, there were enough Sabha and events encouraging people to vote, highlighting the impact of not voting, the effect of NOTA, etc. Well-known speakers like Anand Ranganathan and Ashwini Upadhyay also spoke about matters related to Hindu citizenry. I, too, had the opportunity to organise one such event with Swadeshi Jagran Manch on the legal and social issues faced by the Hindu community.

The authorities also need to be commended for robust arrangements. For example, in Lodha Park, Worli, Mumbai, there was a separate voting booth as it had more than 1,000 voters. Many voting booths across the city were well equipped with fans; it was indoors, so there was no heat, with water, wheelchairs, and bus services for the challenged. The staff manning the polling booths did their job efficiently and empathetically. It is important to remember that the Election Commission of India does not have permanent staff to man the polling booths and conduct the actual polling activity. These unsung workers are drawn from the Municipal Corporations, State Government, etc. Some engineers and teachers are also on duty. It is an act that needs to be appreciated and deserves an ovation.

I must also mention that there was no confusion, and all officials and voters operated according to the established and well-set procedures. Electronic Voting Machines have ensured transparent voting and are an example for the world.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Election Commission of Bharat, the police personnel on duty, and the staffers drawn from various arms of the government. Kudos to them. It is also essential to appreciate the efforts of certain individuals who made special efforts to convince fellow citizens to exercise their right to vote.

In the Worli area of Mumbai, my friends Rajpal Ji and Mahadev Ji from Lodha Park worked tirelessly from morning to night, requesting people to vote to ensure a high turnout. 83-year-old Advocate Bhupen Bhai Dalal from Malabar Hill, on my request, made 21 calls to people to ensure that they voted. Ruchir Bansal, a fellow Chartered Accountant and a friend from Colaba sent people in his car and made calls to his building folks and folks nearby. Shiv Kanodia Ji from Ameeta Building, Colaba, organised a team of young volunteers on every floor to remind folks to go out and vote. In Andheri West, Karyakartas and citizens walked up to call folks. These are only examples; the actual list is too long to mention.

Many others who made noteworthy contributions are the watch and ward staff who helped, citizens action groups that used the personal messaging system on WhatsApp groups to alert people, and others; the list is endless.

I spoke to numerous walkers and citizens and requested they vote. It was a Utsav well enjoyed. In the end, the final turnout in Mumbai is estimated to be close to the 2019 turnout of 61%. Again, Mumbai's turnout was muted overall, but constituencies like Colaba and Malabar Hill may have improved their tally.