If you love democracy, don't hate politicians: CEC

Gurgaon -  If you love democracy, do not hate politicians. This is the message from Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a philatelic exhibition here Tuesday, Quraishi said that many express strong opinions against political leaders but do not vote during elections.

A large number of voters in cities and towns do not vote “which is unfortunate”, he said.

“These people keep sitting in their homes and cursing the politicians. Do they have a right to do so?” he asked.

"You love democracy and hate politicians, this is not possible."

Quraishi said India had a number of good politicians. “We have good politicians because of whose policies India is marching towards becoming a superpower."

In a reference to Pakistan, Quraishi said had there been only bad politicians in India, its “fate would have been like that of our neighbouring country which also acquired freedom on the same day”.

He pointed out that the number of voters in India was more than the total number of voters in all Commonwealth countries.

He said the Election Commission had started a voter education division to ensure greater voting in elections.

“Due to this, voter turnout in the Uttar Pradesh elections has increased from 30 to 35 percent. In the last 60 years, this time has been the highest polling percentage in the state,” Quraishi said.