To strengthen democracy and inspire citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, Rannsamar NGO, founded by its President, Advocate Abha Singh, has launched an extensive Voter Awareness Campaign. The primary goal of this initiative is to make South Mumbai the constituency with the highest voter turnout in the upcoming elections. This campaign directly addresses the low voter turnout observed in the 2019 Assembly Elections, where Colaba recorded a disappointing 43.7% turnout.
The campaign’s slogan, “Mumbai Needs to Vote, Mumbaikars, Come Out and Vote”, resonates strongly with the community.
A public rally aimed at raising voter awareness and participation in South Mumbai was conducted under the aegis of the Rannsamar Foundation and the dynamic leadership of Advocate Abha Singh. Advocates from the Law Offices of Abha Singh and Aditya Pratap joined in support, along with enthusiastic students from Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work and Home Science.
The rally commenced in front of Eros Cinema and proceeded to Azad Maidan, where energetic slogans urged the public to cast their votes on November 20, 2024. The procession later visited KC College and HR College, rallying the youth to step out and vote rather than stay home on this critical day.
Speaking to the press, Advocate Aditya Pratap emphasized the significance of the right to vote, stating:
“The right to vote is a privilege we must not take for granted. Democracy is a precious gift, yet it is often overlooked. Over half the world’s population does not have the opportunity to participate in free and fair elections. This makes it even more crucial for South Mumbai, an area infamous for poor voter turnout, to set an example and vote in large numbers on November 20th.”
Despite voting’s pivotal role in shaping the nation, participation has been alarmingly low in recent years. In the 2023 General Elections, voter turnout dropped to just 60%, sparking concerns about civic disengagement. Through this campaign, the Foundation seeks to educate citizens, especially the youth, about the importance of voting and their role in upholding democracy.
Advocate Abha Singh, a staunch proponent of democratic participation, is spearheading this initiative to raise awareness, dispel myths, and motivate citizens to take an active role in the electoral process. With outreach programs, informative workshops, and robust social media engagement, the Rannsamar Foundation is determined to reverse the downward trend and ensure higher voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
Addressing the media, Advocate Abha Singh passionately stated:
“Election Day is not a holiday; it’s a day to exercise your right and fulfill your duty. No vote means no right to criticize. We must earn the right to voice our opinions by casting our vote.”
A series of impactful slogans reverberated through the rally, such as:
“No Vote, No Criticism” – emphasizing that participation in voting earns the right to hold leaders accountable.
“Say No to NOTA” – urging voters to select the most deserving candidate instead of opting for “None of the Above.”
“Jaago, Jaago, Mumbai Jaago! 20th November ko Vote Karo!” – calling on Mumbaikars to actively participate in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.
From a legal perspective, voting is both a civic duty and a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution. The campaign highlights that every eligible voter, regardless of their background, has the legal right to participate in elections without discrimination. It also stresses the importance of informed voting, ensuring that citizens understand their role in shaping governance and holding leaders accountable.
By emphasizing the legal framework surrounding elections—from voter registration to casting ballots — the campaign seeks to empower citizens, reinforcing that participation is not just a privilege but a legal responsibility vital to sustaining democracy.
After the voting conducted on 20th November 2024 the voter turnout of Worli and Colaba was 47.5% and 41.64% respectively. Hence, we at RannSamar have decided to spread awareness and stress on the importance of voting relentlessly to change the outcome of the voting percentage in the next voting elections.
For further details, contact:
Adv. Abha Singh: +91 98200 34635
Aashna Gujar (Coordinator): +91 98206 32181
Rannsamar NGO