Himachal Pradesh Election 2022: Voting ends in hill state; Chamba records lowest turnout of 46%
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is busy leading a Bharat Jodo Yatra, had skipped campaigning in the state. However, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made up for him to an extent.
FollowHimachal Pradesh, where the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are locked in an aggressive direct fight, recorded a voter turnout of 55.65 per cent till 3 pm on Saturday.. There are over 55 lakh eligible voters in the hill state for 68 assembly seats. 1.86 lakh of these are first-time voters whereas 1.22 lakh aged 80-plus. Â
Young voters and especially those who are geared up to cast their votes for the first time, were seen excited to reach polling booths with all enthusiasm and verve. According to data released by the Election Commission, 1.86 lakh first-time voters will exercise their franchise in the elections today.
Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur, his wife Sadhana Thakur and daughters Chandrika Thakur and Priyanka Thakur, offered prayers in Mandi, ahead of casting their votes in Seraj Assembly constituency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appealed to the voters in Himachal Pradesh to participate in the election process in the hill state.
In a tweet, PM Modi said, "Today is the polling day for all the assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh. I request all the voters of Devbhoomi to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy and create a new record of voting. My special wishes to all the youth of the state who will be voting for the first time today.
Meanwhile, the election campaign in the hill state witnessed high profile leaders descending on it with promises that ranged from implementation of a common civil code to scooters for college-going women.Â
Also read:Â Himachal Pradesh Election 2022: Congress has 61 crorepati candidates in hill state; BJP 56
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is contesting to return to power in the Jai Ram Thakur-led state, scored on bringing in the big names. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited twice, addressing a series of rallies - the last two on Wednesday (November 9).Â
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is busy leading a Bharat Jodo Yatra, has skipped campaigning in the state. But Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made up for him to an extent.
