India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi’s village in Kinnaur accuses EC of ignoring legacy
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Relatives, residents say Kalpa polling booth lacked special arrangements
The Newz Radar Network
Following the passing away of the country’s first voter, Shyam Saran Negi, the Kalpa polling booth in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, for the first time in this Lok Sabha election, was not designated as an exemplary polling station.
Furthermore, there was no ceremonial red carpet laid out. The absence of special arrangements has left late Shyam Saran Negi’s family members and the residents of the village disappointed. Election Commission officials did not implement any special measures to inspire voters at the Kalpa polling booth this time around, which has saddened Shyam Saran Negi’s relatives.
Expressing his dismay, Shyam Saran Negi’s grandson Deepak Charas emphasised that his grandfather held the honour of being the nation’s inaugural voter. Consequently, Deepak believes that the Election Commission should have made special provisions at the Kalpa polling booth, ensuring that young voters understood the significance of Shyam Saran Negi’s historic vote at that very location.
Deepak underscored that the school, which houses the polling booth, was not only of historical importance but also a tourist attraction in Kalpa. Thus, it should have been transformed into an exemplary polling station, serving as a beacon to voters during the electoral process. However, this vision was not realised. Kalpa village, home to around 1,500 voters, held significant electoral importance, he asserted.
