In 2017, a resolution was passed by the Maharashtra government that July 5 will be observed as state Voters' Day.
The resolution said, "To strengthen the democracy and increase the participation of voters in the election process, Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) has been undertaken. Under this programme, the election commission is trying to create awareness about voting."
This came after the election commission of India observes January 25 as National Voters' Day and continues to organise programmes to create voter awareness. The election commission has also instructed the states to observe State Voters' Day and District Voters' Day.
Earlier, the state government had decided to observe the day on July 1. However, the day collided with the birth anniversary of former state chief minister Vasantrao Naik, making the government reconsider the date.
There was a political stir over State Voters' Day on July 1. The Congress and National Congress Party (NCP) accused the government of neglecting the contribution of Naik, who laid the foundation of green revolution in the state.
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