Mangaluru: To create awareness among the voters, Dakshina Kannada Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Committee organised Jalathan in Phalguni river on Sunday. SVEEP district unit president and members travelled around three kilometre in 10 boats and created awareness on the need for exercising franchise.

Jalathan was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, from Bokkapattana Kallurti Daivasthana. The traditional chende, artistes dressed in colourful attires accompanied Jalathan. SVEEP Committee President Dr M R Ravi, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, SVEEP Committee Secretary K Sudhakar, magician Kudroli Ganesh, Sushmitha Rao of Fisheries Department and Prof Vinitha Rai participated.

“The Jalathan concluded at Sulthan Bathery ferry. Demonstration on EVM/VVPAT was organised for the tourists, Mogaveera community members and public at the venue. VVPAT machines, which will be attached to the EVMs, will allow voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate. This would ensure transparency in the voting process,” said the officials.

Later, SVEEP members formed a human chain and highlighted the need for exercising franchise.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M R Ravi said, “An attempt is being made to bring everyone under electoral rolls. The disabled and transgenders should come to the polling stations to exercise their franchise. Already, 120 transgenders have enrolled their names in the electoral list.”

Further, he said, “It is the duty of every voter to exercise franchise judiciously to strengthen democracy.”

Magician Kudroli Ganesh said the new initiative of Jalathan is being organised to create awareness among the fishermen community. Such initiatives will be successful when all voters come to the polling stations to exercise their franchise. The programme was organised in association with the Bolooru Mogaveera Mahasabha and Fisheries Department.