Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has declared the dates for the Lok Sabha Election 2024, which will be conducted in seven phases across the nation. The first phase of voting is scheduled for April 19. Subsequent phases will take place on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, with the final round on June 1, and the counting of votes on June 4. During the election-related press conference, Kumar's poetic demeanor was also on display.
Urging political parties, Kumar requested, "During the campaign, avoid personal attacks and maintain decorum." Following this, he recited a couplet by the renowned Urdu poet Bashir Badr....
Engage in rivalry, but keep this in mind, Should we become friends, let there be no cause for shame.
Kumar noted that the rate of flip-flopping between friend and foe is alarmingly high in current times. He cautioned the parties against vulgar discourse that drives them to enmity with no path forward.
Earlier, CEC Rajiv Kumar referred to a verse by Rahim about preserving the bond of affection. He explained that once spoken, words are digitally immortalized, replaying continuously. "Please avoid creating vile digital memories," he implored, "as a quarrel can sever the bond of love, which is hard to mend once broken." After which, he recited Rahim's verse...
Rahiman, thread of love, do not break carelessly, Once broken, it's hard to reunite; if forced, the knot will stay.
Kumar urged that campaigns be conducted with more love and affection, rather than tying troublesome knots.
In the final part of his speech, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the EVM situations, wittily critiquing those who fault the machines. He stated:
It’s unjust to always fault us for unfulfilled desires, When one’s loyalty falters, blaming the EVM is the excuse.
Kumar reported these lines were of his own creation.
