Shimla (Rajeev Sharma): The second phase of Panchayati Raj elections commenced across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, with voting taking place in 1,276 gram panchayats spread across different districts of the state. Polling began early in the morning under tight security arrangements and is scheduled to continue till 3 pm.
According to election authorities, more than 17 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in this phase. The electorate includes over 8.74 lakh men, around 8.55 lakh women, and several voters registered under the “other” category.
Officials from the State Election Commission stated that all polling stations had been equipped with the required facilities to ensure smooth and transparent voting. Security personnel were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
Compared to the first phase, weather conditions remained far more comfortable on Thursday, with several regions witnessing cloudy skies and chances of light rainfall. Authorities believe the pleasant climate may encourage greater public participation and potentially push voter turnout higher than the previous phase.
During the elections, voters are casting ballots for five different posts, including ward member, panchayat pradhan, vice-pradhan, Panchayat Samiti member, and Zila Parishad representative.
Long queues were seen outside polling booths in several rural areas soon after voting began, with elderly voters, women, and first-time voters arriving early to participate in the democratic process.
The Panchayati Raj elections are considered politically significant in Himachal Pradesh, as they often provide an indication of grassroots support for major political parties ahead of larger electoral contests in the state.
