Himachal Pradesh Polls: High Turnout, Local Concerns and Political Heavyweights

A voter turnout of 58.41% was recorded till 3 PM in Himachal Pradesh's four Lok Sabha constituencies. Key issues like road connectivity led to voter boycotts in certain areas. Prominent figures including BJP and Congress heavyweights participated. High security measures were in place across 7,992 polling booths.

A voter turnout of 58.41% was recorded till 3 PM on Saturday in Himachal Pradesh's four Lok Sabha constituencies, as citizens headed to the polls in the final phase of the general election. Officials reported that Kangra registered 55.99% polling, Mandi 61.03%, Hamirpur 57.72%, and Shimla (SC) 59.18%.

Alongside the Lok Sabha elections, six assembly constituencies also conducted bypolls. Turnout varied: Dharamshala saw 53.98%, Lahaul and Spiti 67.08%, Sujanpur 56.85%, Barsar 47%, Gagret 56.78%, and Kutlehar 60.20%. Residents of Churah's Makhan-Chachul area, however, boycotted the vote, protesting over road connectivity and electricity supply issues. Local villagers expressed frustration over unaddressed concerns.

Prominent political figures like BJP's Anurag Thakur, Anand Sharma of Congress, and Bollywood actor Kangna Ranaut were among the candidates. BJP state president Rajiv Bindal and other key leaders cast their votes early. High security was deployed at 7,992 polling booths with additional measures at 369 critical stations.