Shimla:- On Thursday, the second phase of Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh saw a celebration of democracy in every village. Despite the scorching heat and bright sunshine, voter enthusiasm remained high throughout the day in the 1,276 panchayats of the state. As soon as voting began at 7:00 am, long queues formed outside polling booths. According to the Election Commission website, nearly 80 percent voter turnout was recorded in the state till 6:00 pm - this figure surpasses both the 78.90 percent of the first phase and the total turnout of the previous Panchayat elections.
However, this is not the final figure, and the percentage could go up further. Till 9:00 am, 21 percent voting was recorded; till 11:00 am, 44 percent; and till 1:00 pm, 64 percent. Voting continued till the scheduled time of 3:00 PM; however, polling continued till evening to accommodate all the waiting voters at polling stations where queues were formed. A district-wise analysis of the voting percentage shows that Kullu recorded the highest voter turnout at 85.52 percent, followed by Sirmaur at 85.16 percent.
Solan recorded 83.11 percent, Mandi 80.25 percent, Shimla 79.96 percent and Una 79.73 percent. Besides, Bilaspur recorded 78.02 percent, Chamba 77.22 percent, Kangra 75.43 percent, Hamirpur 74.62 percent, Kinnaur 73.97 percent and Lahaul-Spiti 69.38 percent voters cast their votes. The participation of women and youth in rural areas of the state was also noteworthy. At many places, people arrived at polling stations dressed in traditional attire, adding a vibrant and colourful glow to the election atmosphere.
Among the most talked about figures in this election were the centenarian voters - those aged 100 years and above. Kharku Ram, a 116-year-old resident of Hamirpur district, walked to the Dashmal polling station and after casting his vote, delivered a message urging the youth to stay away from drugs and prioritize their health. In Brasli panchayat of Rohru area of ??Shimla district, 110-year-old Surtu Devi cast her vote. In Masli ward too, a 110-year-old woman turned up to cast her vote.
At GPS Thali polling station within Jangla gram panchayat, a 108-year-old woman and a 103-year-old woman cast their vote. In Diwodi Mayala Gram Panchayat, 107-year-old Bala Dei and in Bhatwadi Jhatwari, 107-year-old Dharmapati Devi also cast their votes. In Balghar Gram Panchayat, 102-year-old Padi Devi reached the polling station, while 101-year-old Anant Ram Numbardar of Hira Bhalavan Gram Panchayat also performed her democratic duty by casting her vote. In Sheel Gram Panchayat of Rohru, a 100-year-old woman voter also cast her vote. Crowds gathered at several polling stations to catch a glimpse of these elderly voters.