Every Voter Must Strengthen Indian Democracy: CEC

TIRUPATI: Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala during his two-day visit to the state.

The Chief Election Commissioner was received at the main entrance of the temple by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) additional executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary and temple priests with traditional honours. He later had darshan of Lord Venkateswara and offered prayers inside the sanctum sanctorum.

During the visit, he also offered prayers at other subshrines within the temple premises. Following the darshan, Vedic pundits rendered Vedasirvachanam at Ranganayakula Mandapam. TTD officials later presented Srivari teertha prasadams to him.

Later in the day, Gyanesh Kumar and his wife visited Srikalahasteeswara Temple and participated in special pujas at the temple. The couple also visited the Sri Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy temple. After the darshan, Vedic scholars offered blessings, and temple officials presented teertha prasadams.

Earlier, the Chief Election Commissioner arrived at the Kanipakam guest house, where he was welcomed by Chittoor district collector Sumit Kumar, SP Tushar Dudi and temple executive officer Penchala Kishore and received a police guard of honour. Speaking to media persons, Gyanesh Kumar said every voter should become a partner in strengthening democracy. He said peaceful conduct of Assembly elections in various states in recent times showed the strength of the democratic system.

After concluding the two-day visit, Gyanesh Kumar and his wife departed from Renigunta Airport. State chief electoral officer Vivek Yadav, Tirupati joint collector R. Govindarao and other officials presented a replica of Lord Venkateswara to the couple at the airport before their departure.