Urging people to vote in large numbers in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday said they will exercise their franchise not just to elect their representatives but to decide whether they want to secure their constitutional rights or witness the nation "veer towards dictatorship".
Voting is being held in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union territories in the third phase of the parliamentary polls.
In a post on X, Mr Kharge said, "Vote to save Constitution, vote to protect democracy! 11 crore people in 93 constituencies shall exercise their democratic right, not just to elect their representatives, but shall decide whether they want to secure their constitutional rights or witness our great nation veer towards dictatorship." "I sincerely urge you to choose democracy, so that our institutions can return to their independent form and are not pressed under the thumb of brute power," the Congress chief added.
"We are right in the middle of the battle. A correct decision now can create an India where NYAY i.e. justice is supreme," he asserted.
Mr Kharge also listed the five "Nyay" the Congress has pitched to people.
"Yuva Nyay" shall ensure "Rozgar Kranti" (employment revolution), where the future of youngsters will become bright and secure, Mr Kharge said.
"Naari Nyay shall ensure social and economic independence of 50 per cent of our population -- our sisters and mothers. Kisaan Nyay shall ensure that there is no injustice to our annadata farmers, who sweat in the fields to feed us," he added.
"Shramik Nyay" shall ensure that the hands that build India are socially protected, the Congress leader said.
"Hissedari Nyay" shall ensure equality and equity for all, he added.
"When you press that button on the EVM, keep in mind that you are deciding not just your future, but the collective future of 140 crore fellow Indians," Mr Kharge said.
Welcoming the first-time voters, he said they are the flag-bearers of change.
"Remember, the sound of the voting button shall strengthen the Constitution. Come out in large numbers and vote. Choose wisely," the Congress chief said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
"Will Retire From Politics If...": Siddaramaiah On PM Modi's Remarks "Reserved For PM": M Kharge Claims Not Allowed Into Airport Lounge Karnataka Forms Special Team To Probe 'Covid Scam' During BJP Rule How Rift Grew Between AAP and Kailash Gahlot Schools Go Online, No Entry For Trucks As Delhi Air Pollution Worsens X User Seeks Relief For Middle Class. Nirmala Sitharaman Responds Attack On Hmar Village In Manipur By Suspected Meitei Militants Sparked Violence "Will Ask India To Send Back Sheikh Hasina": Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus All About The Indian Satellite To Be Launched By Elon Musk's SpaceX Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.