Himachal elections: 58.41% turnout in 4 Lok Sabha seats, highest in Kangana-Vikramaditya battleground Mandi
A cumulative voting turnout of 58.41 per cent has been witnessed till 3 pm in the four Lok Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh where elections are being held in the last lap of the parliamentary polls on Saturday (June 1, 2024). The six Assembly seats where byelections are being held simultaneously recorded a cumulative voting percentage of 56.98.
At 61.03 per cent, Mandi Lok Sabha seat, where BJP candidate and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut is locked in a prestige battle against Congress minister Vikramaditya Singh, recorded the highest turnout. It was followed by 59.18 per cent in Shimla, 57.72 per cent in Hamirpur and 55.99 per cent in Kangra.
In the Assembly by-elections, Lahaul-Spiti constituency was at the top with 67.08 per cent polling, followed by Kutlehar at 60.20 per cent, Sujanpur at 56.85 per cent, Gagret at 56.78 per cent, Dharamshala at 53.98 per cent and Barsar at 47 per cent.
In Gagret Assembly constituency, technical issues delayed the start of voting by two hours, which led to the removal of the presiding officer and sector officer by District Election Officer Una, Jatin Lal, for negligence.
Despite the technical glitches, there was a robust turnout. Voters were seen enduring the scorching heat, with some polling stations lacking tents for shade. However, model polling booths were well-equipped with facilities for the elderly, sick and pregnant women. Young volunteers played a crucial role in maintaining order.
