Former IPS officer V. Venkata Lakshminarayana, also known as JD Lakshminarayana, emphasized the importance of higher voter turnout to combat vote-bank politics and ensure genuine representation. Speaking at an awareness program for youth at Pottisriramulu Chalavadi Mallikarjuna Rao College of Engineering and Technology in Vijayawada, he noted that India’s current 60% voter turnout could lead to transformative change if increased to 100%. Lakshminarayana suggested that India should consider making voting mandatory, as practiced in 23 countries. He engaged with students, addressing their queries and fostering a better understanding of civic responsibilities.