CM Patel, Anandiben urge people to exercise their right to vote

Today Gujarat is celebrating the festival of democracy, the CM said.

Bhupendra Patel, accompanied by his wife, cast his vote at Shilaj Anupam School and appealed everyone to vote. (PTI Photo)

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on Monday urged voters to participate in the voting process as Phase 2 voting were on in the state.

“Every voter should exercise his right to vote. Voting is very important for the country and let us make India the number one country. Voting should be mandatory,” said Anandiben Patel after casting her vote at Shilaj Anupam School Monday morning.

The chief minister, accompanied by his wife, cast his vote at the same school and appealed everyone to vote.

“Today Gujarat is celebrating the festival of democracy. The first phase of elections got over and everyone should participate in the second phase with equal enthusiasm,” he said.

After leaving the polling booth, he stopped by for tea at a nearby tea stall in Shilaj village where he again appealed everyone to vote. Ghatlodia is the largest seat in terms of voters from where Patel won with the highest margin of 1,17,750 votes in 2017.

Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express' Gujarat bureau, an editorial position that reflects her experience and Authority in regional journalism. With over a decade of concentrated reporting experience, she is a highly Trustworthy and specialized journalist, especially noted for her Expertise in the education sector across Gujarat and previously Chandigarh. Expertise Primary Authority (Education): With over ten years of dedicated reporting on education in both Gujarat and Chandigarh, Ritu Sharma is a foremost authority on educational policy, institutional governance, and ground realities from "KG to PG." Her coverage includes: Higher Education: In-depth scrutiny of top institutions like IIM-Ahmedabad (controversies over demolition/restoration of heritage architecture), IIT-Bombay (caste discrimination issues), and new initiatives like international branch campuses in GIFT City. Schooling & Policy: Detailed coverage of government schemes (Gyan Sadhana School Voucher Scheme), the implementation and impact of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, teacher recruitment issues, and the impact of national policies like the NEP. Student Welfare: Reporting on critical issues such as suicide allegations due to caste discrimination, and the challenges faced by students (e.g., non-delivery of NAMO tablets). ... Read More