Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), cast his vote at a polling booth near Reshimbagh early Friday morning, joining the ranks of eager citizens participating in the democratic process.
As one of the first to arrive at the polling station, Bhagwat patiently waited nearly 15 minutes for the voting to commence. Upon emerging from the booth, he proudly displayed his inked left-hand forefinger, symbolizing his fulfillment of civic duty.
Addressing the media, Bhagwat emphasized the importance of voting, stating that it is both a right and a responsibility for all citizens. "All people must go out and vote in the interest of the nation," he declared. "Through your vote, you decide the future of the country for the next five years. There should be 100 per cent voting, and hence everybody must cast their votes in the interest of the country."
In Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is contesting against Vikas Thakare, the nominee of the INDIA-MVA-Congress alliance.
The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced in five constituencies — Nagpur, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Ramtek (SC), and Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) — at 7 a.m., drawing thousands of voters eager to exercise their democratic rights.