Jamshedpur: Despite the blazing temperatures, the influential figures of Jamshedpur turned up in full force to exercise their franchise during the Parliamentary Election-2024.
Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, arrived in the city the previous night specifically to cast his vote. Early in the morning, accompanied by his wife, he was seen at Booth No. 21, Harijan Middle School, Bhalubasa, Jamshedpur.
Banna Gupta, Health and Disaster Management Minister and a senior leader of the Congress party, also made his presence felt. Along with his spouse and son, he cast their valuable votes at their respective polling booths.
T V Narendran, CEO cum Managing Director of Tata Steel, donned in a casual cotton shirt and blue jeans, along with his spouse Ruchi Narendran, showcased their inked fingers after voting in the steel city.
The couple, widely recognised in the city, managed to capture the attention of the shutterbugs as they smiled for the cameras. Despite the scorching heat, voters in line were pleasantly surprised to see Narendran and his wife standing among them, setting a notable example of civic duty.
Security was notably tight at the Loyola School booth from early morning. However, this VIP status did not deter a substantial number of people from casting their votes.
While some voters were unaware of the VIP attendees, others felt their presence did not significantly alter their voting experience.
“It is really good to see the managing director of a steel company leaving his comfort and coming out to vote on a hot and sultry day. I have seen him practicing his franchise earlier also. Narendran never misses the chance to vote and that’s no doubt an inspiration for many who avoid leaving their drawing rooms to come out and vote,” commented a resident of Circuit House area.
Senior officials from various companies, along with their spouses, also turned up to vote, although they declined to comment on the elections, choosing instead to pose for photojournalists.
“Though a number of VIPs are on the list at Loyola School booth, I had little problem in casting my vote, all were treated like common citizens,” remarked a voter upon exiting the booth.
In addition to corporate leaders, prominent political figures also exercised their franchise. BJP leader Amarpreet Singh Kale, along with his family, voted at Sakchi Shri Sakchi Gujarati English School, designated as Booth No. 287.
Kale, known for his active participation in the city’s political scene, expressed his gratitude to election officials and volunteers for ensuring a smooth voting process. His presence is viewed as a motivational factor for others to vote.
In a brief media interaction, Kale underscored the importance of voting and urged Jamshedpur residents to fulfill their civic duty. “If you have not voted yet, please do so and perform your duty. Every vote counts in shaping the future of our city and our nation,” he appealed.
Reports indicate that the voting process at Booth No. 287 has been orderly, with adequate measures in place to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all citizens.
Jugsalai MLA Mangal Kalindi, former Jamshedpur MP Dr Ajoy Kumar, Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Vijay Anand Moonka, CAIT national secretary Suresh Sonthalia and others exercised their franchise.
As the day progresses, it remains crucial for the remaining residents to make their voices heard by participating in this vital democratic exercise.