Elect wisely, Olympian Bhaker urges people

Paris Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker emphasised that small steps can lead to significant achievements, and urged people to recognise that development is in their hands by electing the best representatives.

Speaking to the media after casting her vote for the first time at her native Goriya village in Jhajjar district today, the 22-year-old Olympian shared her excitement about participating in the electoral process. Accompanied by her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, her mother, Sumedha Bhaker, and her brother, she proudly exercised her democratic right.

“I was excited as it was my first chance to cast a vote. Earlier, I had come to a polling booth with my parents, but I didn’t fully understand the significance and power of voting at the time. Now, I realise how important it is. It is every person’s responsibility to vote for the most favourable candidate,” Bhaker said.

Her father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of voting for the development of their village. “Manu is a brand ambassador and a youth icon for voting. She had to come. We vote in every election. How will our village develop if we do not vote? I would request everyone to come out and vote. It’s better to come out today than to curse the government for the next five years,” he said.

Like Manu, many other first-time voters across the state participated in the elections with enthusiasm.

Abhinav, a student at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, expressed his sense of contribution to the democratic process after voting for the first time. “In a democratic setup, people elect the government. We should elect a candidate who has the potential and vision to work for development and the people’s interests,” he said, adding that he voted based on the academic qualifications and conduct of the candidates.

Era Bhardwaj, a student of Delhi University, travelled from Delhi to Rohtak specifically to cast her vote. “This is not an ordinary election. The future of Haryana for the next five years depends on this vote. If we elect the best candidate, the state will progress, otherwise, we will be at the receiving end until the next election,” she said.

Pratibha, another first-time voter from Rewari, said casting her vote made her realise her crucial role in shaping not only the future of the candidates but also the entire state. “I feel proud after casting my vote for the first time,” she said.