In a significant development ahead of the coming Assembly polls in the state, Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, in his Republic Day address, will appeal to the people to help ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. The speech, delivered in Bengali, is scheduled to be telecast on Doordarshan on Thursday morning. ‘‘Elections are like a nabanna (new crop) festival, and during any election people should take part in it with all enthusiasm. So all political parties should give instructions to their people that they should not resort to any intimidation of the voters or any violent methods. Everybody with an independent opinion should be able to cast their vote,’’ reads Gandhi’s speech.Another distinctive feature is that for the first time this year the Governor’s address will be followed by an interactive session attended by 26 people from diverse fields.
