The Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Shaktikanta Das and prominent industry leaders cast their votes in Mumbai on Wednesday for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Das, accompanied by his wife, visited a polling booth near his official residence in South Mumbai and praised the election officials for their efficient arrangements.
Meanwhile, Deepak Parekh, former chairman of HDFC, also voted at a booth in a South Mumbai locality. He encouraged everyone to vote, sharing his positive experience of the quick and smooth process at the polling station.
Amid ongoing concerns over consistently low voter turnout in Mumbai, a city often considered the financial capital of India, prominent figures in the financial services industry have raised questions about the apparent reluctance to participate in the electoral process despite the availability of incentives such as a public holiday. Deepak Parekh, a well-known veteran of the financial services sector, expressed his surprise at the low turnout, especially given the ease of access to voting. He urged citizens to recognise the importance of their participation in the democratic process, reported PTI.
Keki Mistry, Parekh’s long-time colleague and the former vice chairman and CEO of HDFC, also exercised his right to vote at a nearby booth, reinforcing the message of civic responsibility.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, who voted in South Mumbai, called voting a "privilege" and encouraged everyone to participate in the election.
Industrialist Ajay Piramal, along with his wife Swati, cast their votes near their residence in Mumbai. After stepping out of the polling booth, Piramal urged fellow citizens to come forward and exercise their right, highlighting the importance of voting in shaping the country's future.
Swati Piramal, an author and advocate for social causes, noted that the new government must prioritise critical issues such as children's welfare, women's rights, and healthcare.
Other industry leaders, including Gautam Singhania, the chairman of textile and realty giant Raymond, and Ajit Gulabchand, chairman of the construction company HCC, also cast their votes by 3 pm.