Close to 56 lakh voters will cast their votes across 68 constituencies of Himachal Pradesh in a single phase on Saturday.
While the BJP leadership in Himachal Pradesh led by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur worked towards blunting the effect of anti incumbency powered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hectic campaigning in the state, the Congress is aiming a return with its promise of restoration of Old Pension Scheme and Rs 1500 for women between age of 18-60.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is also contesting in the state has stayed away from major campaigning as its leaders focusing on strengthening its vote bank in another poll-bound Gujarat.
CM Jai Ram Thakur cast his vote at at Auhan booth in Kurani, part of his constituency Seraj in Mandi district.
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Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked voters to turn out in large numbers and “celebrate the festival of democracy.”
“I request all voters of Devbhoomi to participate with full enthusiasm in festival of democracy & create a new record of voting. My special wishes to all youth who are voting for the first time,” he tweeted.
Congress leader also took to Twitter to remind people of Himachal to come out and vote in large number. “Himachal will vote for OPS, Himachal will vote for employment, Himachal will vote for Har Ghar Laxmi,” he wrote.
The Dhumal family cast their vote together in their bastion of Hamirpur.
#HimchalPradeshElection2022: Dhumal family cast their vote in Hamirpur. @DhumalHP seen with son Union Minister @ianuragthakur, daughter-in-law Sheffali Thakur and wife Sheela Dhumal.
Reports @AlokReporter pic.twitter.com/MhYc21zksg
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 12, 2022
Special Pink Polling Station and Model Polling Stations have been set up in some locations.
#HimachalPradesh: Voting underway in Pink PS Lalri and Model PS Thakran in 43-Haroli. Pink PS are electoral booths managed entirely by women. Model PS have all facilities like waiting lounge, creche, drinking water, pick-and-drop facilities for elderly people."@Anand_Journ pic.twitter.com/yjJMDqh8KH
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 12, 2022
The Chief Minister of Himachal Jai Ram Thakur also stepped out with his family to cast his vote in his constituency Seraj.
Chief Minister @jairamthakurbjp, his wife and two daughters cast their votes for the #HimachalPradeshElection2022 https://t.co/TN5sPAqbyp pic.twitter.com/VdKGsX4uo5
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 12, 2022
As per the latest update by CEO Himachal the state has recorded 37.19 per cent voter turnout till 1 PM.
Ground Report | @TheNewIndian_in team brings to you the voice of the voters right from Ground Zero
“People of Himachal rush to Delhi or Chandigarh for better medical facilities,” says a voter
Report by @urvashikhona & @Tonmoy7sisters#HimachalPradeshelections2022 pic.twitter.com/rGloAU5s09
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 12, 2022
Ground Report | Senior citizens of Himachal are coming out in large numbers to vote, showing the way to the younger generation. @urvashikhona and @Tonmoy7sisters capture the excitement of these voters who woke up early to exercise their right pic.twitter.com/rD0x9U9nmM
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 12, 2022