Kullu, May 26
Polling for the first phase of the Panchayati Raj elections began across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with enthusiastic participation witnessed in Kullu district, where voting is underway in 85 gram panchayats.
According to election officials, a total of 1,04,072 voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase in the district. By 11 am, Kullu district had recorded a voter turnout of 38.46 percent, reflecting strong public participation in the grassroots democratic process.
Since early morning, polling stations across the district saw long queues of voters, particularly elderly citizens who arrived with family members to exercise their franchise. The turnout highlighted growing awareness and interest among rural voters in strengthening local self-governance institutions.
The Panchayati Raj elections in Kullu district are being conducted in three phases. While the first phase is being held on Tuesday, the second phase of polling is scheduled for Thursday, followed by the final phase on Saturday. The results for Zila Parishad and Block Development Council (BDC) seats are expected to be declared on Sunday.
Speaking after casting his vote in Gram Panchayat Kalehli, elderly voter Suresh Kumar said that strong panchayats are essential for rural development and urged all eligible voters to participate in the elections.
Another voter, Dagu Ram, said elections provide people with an opportunity to choose a fair and effective panchayat leadership capable of addressing local issues and ensuring development in villages.
Meanwhile, 92-year-old voter Chet Ram said he had been participating in elections for decades and hoped the newly elected representatives would focus on improving basic infrastructure, particularly roads and drinking water facilities in rural areas.
Security arrangements remained in place at polling booths to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of voting across the district. Election authorities have appealed to voters to participate in large numbers in the remaining phases of the Panchayati Raj polls.
