Mysuru: This is the election season and it is the time when each and every voter becomes significant as he/she has the power to vote. However, many still show apathy to vote as they feel their votes will not make much difference. To dispel such ideas, a bike rider has embarked on a journey to create awareness about the importance of compulsory voting.

He is Bengaluru’s Magadi resident and Samartha Kannadigaru Samsthe Chief Convenor  42-year-old Basavaraju S. Kallusakkare.

Even though it is more than 70 years since the country got independence, the voter turnout is just between 55 to 60 per cent. In order to see that it touches 100 per cent, Basavaraju started his campaign on Feb. 24 from Bengaluru on his bike and has so far visited Kolar, Kanakapura, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Koppal covering almost 25 districts and has been creating awareness among students by going to schools and colleges.

He has also visited the border towns of Kolar’s Nangli and Bidar’s Chandi Muked villages and asked the rural folk to vote compulsorily.

He has also been advocating about the participation of everyone in a ‘Secure Democracy’ and using slogans like ‘Our Vote, Our Pride,’ asking the voters to see that democracy wins. People must also vote for a civil society and stable government are his other messages.

He is also distributing pamphlets with a message ‘Voting is our birthright and do not sell it.’

Basavaraju has already travelled 4,800 kms and has come to Mysuru. Today he will be leaving for Chamarajanagar and later ride to Mandya and through Ramanagaram return to Bengaluru on Mar.31.

I have taken permission from the Election Commission to travel round the State to create awareness about the importance of voting. The EC has also made provisions for me to stay in guest houses in each district. However, I have to meet the fuel and food expenses myself.

— Basavaraju S. Kallusakkare