Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022: 55.65 per cent voting till 3 pm
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022: According to Election Commission, a total of 7,881 polling stations have been set up for the polls. The Kangra district has a maximum of 1,625 polling stations while the Lahaul-Spiti district has the lowest 92
 "Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022: 55.65 per cent voting till 3 pm")
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
98.08% voter turnout recorded in in the world’s highest polling station booth
51 out of 52 voters voted in the world's highest polling station booth in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh. 98.08% voter turnout has been recorded. #HimachalPradeshElections
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
55.65 per cent voting till 3 pm
Himachal Pradesh, where the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are locked in an aggressive fight, recorded a voter turnout of 55.65 per cent till 3 pm on Saturday, the Election Commission said.
Voting began at 8 am on a slow note but picked up as the day progressed and the sun warmed the winter chill. The assembly election is a crucial test for the BJP which is hoping to beat precedent and return to power while the Congress has urged voters to go by tradition of voting out the incumbent.
Only around five per cent polling was recorded in the first hour, while till 11 am, it was 19.98 per cent. It notched up to 37.19 percent by 1 pm and till 3 pm, the state recorded a 55.65 per cent turnout.
PTI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Congress to have majority in Himachal, BJP won’t succeed in poaching MLAs, says Anand Sharma
Congress leader Anand Sharma on Saturday said that the people of Himachal Pradesh were in a mood to change the government in the state by ruling out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state assembly election.
Lashing out at the ruling BJP party, Sharma said, “There’s a mood for change. Vast sections of society suffered especially Government employees, youth despondent because of unemployment, women and young people who’ll serve after Agnipath.”
When asked if there can be poaching of Congress MLAs, Sarma said, “We will have a strong majority, they (BJP) won’t succeed.”
Sharma cast his vote in Shimla’s Longwood in the Assembly polls which are underway on Saturday.
ANI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Jairam Thakur will continue to be CM face, says BJP chief Nadda
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday said that the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh would be the face of the new CM of the state if the party wins the assembly election.
While talking to ANI, he said, “We definitely are in a comfortable majority. The election has been contested under the leadership of Jairam Thakur and he will continue (to be the CM face).”
He also took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as the latter did not participate in any campaign for the Himachal Pradesh assembly election and said that they (Congress) are careerist leaders.
ANI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
As Himachal votes today, remembering India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi
Himachal Pradesh is all set to vote and while a total number of 55, 92, 828 electors will decide the political fate of leaders from different parties, one voter will be dearly missed.
That man is none other than Shyam Saran Negi, independent India’s first voter. Negi passed away on 5 November this year at the age of 106. He died of natural causes at his home in Kinnaur district’s Kalpa.
Negi, who is known for not skipping a single election – be it general or state, voted till his last breath as he exercised his franchise days before the state elections (12 November) where he cast his vote through a postal ballot instead of attending a polling booth owing to ill health.
Read MoreHimachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
We definitely are in comfortable majority, says JP Nadda
BJP national president JP Nadda when asked about Himacha Pradesh Election 2022 and CM face of the BJP, Nadda said, “We definitely are in comfortable majority. Jairam Thakur led the election campaign, and he will continue"
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
37.19 pc voting till 1 pm
Himachal Pradesh, where the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are locked in an aggressive direct fight, recorded a voter turnout of 37.19 per cent in the first five hours till 1 pm on Saturday, the Election Commission said.
The voting commenced on a tardy note and gradually picked up pace as the sun came up in the hill state where the BJP is eyeing history by repeating its government, while the Congress is urging voters to go by the tradition of voting out the incumbent government.
The voting started on a slow note with only around 5 per cent polling recorded in the first hour. Till 11 am, 19.98 per cent polling was recorded.
At 1 pm, the state recorded 37.19 per cent.
The highest polling of 41.89 percent was recorded in Sirmour district, followed by 41.17 percent in Mandi, the home district of Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.
PTI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
“Vote with full understanding to weave the future of Himachal,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urges people
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday appealed to the voters of Himachal Pradesh to “vote with full understanding in weaving the future of Himachal” as the state goes to the polls to decide the fate of 412 candidates for 68 assembly constituencies.
“Dear Himachali people, you all understand the situation of yourself and your state very well. Considering your circumstances, perform the duty of voting with full understanding and make your important contribution to changing the situation and weaving the future of Himachal. Jai Hind. Jai Himachal,” she wrote on Twitter.
Polling began at 8 am amid tight security arrangements on Saturday.
ANI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
105-year-old woman casts her vote
A 105-year-old woman named Naro Devi cast her voted today in Churah assembly constituency of Chamba district.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Voters in Himachal queue up outside polling booths to elect new govt
From Shimla to the icy heights of Spiti, voters across Himachal Pradesh stepped out on Saturday to elect a new state government. It is a crucial test for the BJP hoping to beat precedent and return to power as well as for the Congress looking for electoral revival.
Voting began at 8 am on a slow note with an Election Commission official saying only four per cent polling was registered till 9 am. It began to pick up as the morning progressed and the winter chill eased a bit. Polling will continue till 5 pm in all 68 assembly constituencies.
In an early morning message to voters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged them to enthusiastically participate in the “festival of democracy” and register a voting record. In a tweet, Modi also greeted young voters who will be exercising their franchise for the first time.
PTI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Polling officials cross snow-covered roads to reach election booths
As the assembly election is underway in Himachal Pradesh, polling officials reached the snow-covered assembly constituencies on foot to reach higher reaches of the state on Friday morning.
Snow spells in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the past few days have covered several polling booths in the state in a thick layer of white, making it challenging for the polling parties to reach these areas.
ANI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Atmosphere of joy & people want the Govt repeated, says BJP chief on the alternating party trend
It will definitely change. People have made up their mind to change the tradition because the development in last 5 yrs can be seen on ground. So, there's an atmosphere of joy & people want the Govt repeated: BJP chief on the alternating party trend #HimachalPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/8QrMyzAho2
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
157 polling stations are being managed solely by women, says CEC Rajiv Kumar
#HimachalPradeshElections | 157 polling stations across the state are such that are being managed solely by women staff. In Hamirpur district, crèche facility has also been made available so that those who come with children don't have to face any issue: CEC Rajiv Kumar pic.twitter.com/D7wueeb3kk
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
BJP chief JP Nadda, his wife cast votes in Bilaspur
BJP chief JP Nadda & his wife Mallika Nadda cast their votes at a polling station in Vijaypur, Bilaspur
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
He says, "With the kind of atmosphere I'm seeing since morning, I think people have zeal and that zeal is over something right. I request people to cast vote in large numbers" pic.twitter.com/z5IhuIJosJ
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Congress MP Anand Sharma cast his vote
Congress MP Anand Sharma cast his vote for #HimachalPradeshElections at Sainik Rest House Longwood, Shimla polling station. pic.twitter.com/RpU4PbZrUE
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
‘Confident of winning 40-45 seats’, says Himachal Pradesh’s Congress chief after casting vote
Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh and her son & party MLA Vikramaditya Singh cast their votes for #HimachalPradeshElections, in Rampur, Shimla. pic.twitter.com/ptIsIXlRRw
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal, his son Anurag Thakur cast their votes
Former Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal, his son & Union Minister Anurag Thakur and their family cast their votes for #HimachalPradeshElections.
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Visuals from a polling station in Samirpur, Hamirpur. pic.twitter.com/D0vgw0ncxY
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Highest booth is in Tashigang, at a height of 15,256 feet
The Election Commission has set up 7,884 polling stations, including three auxiliary voting stations in far flung areas. Of these, 789 are vulnerable booths and 397 critical ones.
The highest booth is in Tashigang, Kaza in Spiti area of Lahaul Spiti district at a height of 15,256 feet. It will cater to 52 voters.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Himachal will vote for employment, says Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi said Himachal Pradesh will vote for employment, OPS, and ‘Har Ghar Lakshmi’.
हिमाचल वोट करेगा OPS के लिए
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 12, 2022
हिमाचल वोट करेगा रोज़गार के लिए
हिमाचल वोट करेगा 'हर घर लक्ष्मी' के लिए
आइए, भारी संख्या में मतदान कीजिए, और हिमाचल की प्रगति और खुशहाल भविष्य के लिए अपना महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दीजिए।
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Home Minister Amit Shah urges ‘mothers, sisters and youth’ to vote in polls
एक मजबूत और भ्रष्टाचार मुक्त सरकार ही हिमाचल प्रदेश को विकास में अग्रणी रख देवभूमि की जनता की आकांक्षाओं को पूरा कर सकती है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 12, 2022
हिमाचल के सभी मतदाताओं विशेषकर माताओं, बहनों व युवाओं से अपील करता हूँ कि प्रदेश के सुनहरे कल के लिए अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान कर एक सशक्त सरकार चुने।
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
AAP candidates in 67 out of 68 Himachal Pradesh constituencies
Besides the BJP and the Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party is also trying its electoral luck. It has fielded candidates on 67 of the total 68 assembly constituencies. The BSP is fighting polls on 53 seats
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Jairam Thakur asks voters to turn out in big numbers to help build ‘prosperous Himachal’
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Saturday urged voters to come out in big numbers and enthusiastically participate in the “festival of democracy”.
He said every vote will help build a prosperous Himachal Pradesh.
PTI
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Congress will claim majority after HP polls, says Vikramaditya Singh
Poll is being contested to take state forward & change its condition. This isn't just about Congress leaders & workers but about future of the state. Current govt suppressed &overlooked voices of all sections of society: Vikramaditya Singh, Congress MLA#HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/DNAu1CBvam
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Suresh Bhardwaj, BJP MLA from Shimla, cast his vote
Himachal Pradesh Minister & BJP MLA from Shimla Suresh Bhardwaj cast his vote for #AssemblyElections2022; visuals from polling station 63/87 in Shimla Assembly constituency
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
He says, BJP will form its govt once again as per the morning trend. People casting votes in large numbers pic.twitter.com/NiCbgNFgrU
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
CM Jairam Thakur and his family cast their votes in Seraj Assembly constituency
Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur & his family cast their votes in Seraj Assembly constituency for #AssemblyElections2022; visuals from polling station 44 in Mandi
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Confident of a grand win. Feedback is great. Most importantly, people are casting their votes peacefully, he said. pic.twitter.com/UbPnheSuej
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
The electoral battles to watch out for in Himachal Pradesh
After intense political campaigning, the people of Himachal Pradesh will vote today in the 69-member Assembly elections. The election in the hills has garnered much attention as it is a swing state — the party in power changes every elections (between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress) for the last three decades.
This time around, the elections in Himachal have become even more unpredictable with several Congress leaders joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Chief Minister Jairam Thakur just three days before polling.
As the state goes to polls, here are some crucial and interesting electoral battles to keep an eye out for.
Read MoreHimachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Nearly 30,000 security personnel deployed to ensure free, fair voting
About 30,000 security personnel, including 67 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and over 11,500 state police personnel will be deployed for peaceful conduct of polling in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday.
Polling for 68 Assembly segments would be held in a single phase. About 50,000 government employees are on poll duty. Of the 7881 polling stations, 981 are critical and 901 have been categorised as vulnerable.
Chask Bhatori of Bharmour Tribal AC of Chamba district is one such polling station where the polling party has to walk 14 km to reach.
Read MoreHimachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Voting underway at various polling stations across Himachal
Voting for #HimachalPradeshElection2022 has begun. Visuals from a polling station in Samirpur, Hamirpur. #AssemblyElections2022 pic.twitter.com/P2iZwhcUv6
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Urge all voters to cast their vote today, says Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur
I am happy that the campaign completed in a good atmosphere. People of Himachal cooperated. I thank the people of Himachal for this. I urge all voters to cast their vote today so that we can further strengthen democracy: Himachal CM Jairam Thakur #HimachalPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/YhG3kSJtkS
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
PM Modi requests voters across Himachal Pradesh to participate in Assembly Polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi requests voters across the state of Himachal Pradesh to participate in the Assembly polls today.
हिमाचल प्रदेश की सभी विधानसभा सीटों के लिए आज मतदान का दिन है। देवभूमि के समस्त मतदाताओं से मेरा निवेदन है कि वे लोकतंत्र के इस उत्सव में पूरे उत्साह के साथ भाग लें और वोटिंग का नया रिकॉर्ड बनाएं। इस अवसर पर पहली बार वोट देने वाले राज्य के सभी युवाओं को मेरी विशेष शुभकामनाएं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Himachal will change, says Sadhana Thakur, wife of Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur
It's a very special day for us, as he (HP CM Jairam Thakur) campaigned across the state, being the CM. I pray to god to bless him with success, so our state reaches new heights. Himachal will change: Sadhana Thakur, wife of Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur#AssemblyPolls2022 pic.twitter.com/FOpr4xY8nR
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Everyone will cast their vote today, says Himachal Pradesh Congress chief
All people of Himachal Pradesh are very excited. Everyone will cast their vote today and cooperate to form a new government in the state: Pratibha Singh, Himachal Pradesh Congress chief#HimachalPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/HYK9q0zgFd
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
A look at key players, constituencies to watch out in hill state
With Himachal Pradesh all set to vote to elect a new government in the Assembly polls, the fate of the political parties will be decided by over 55 lakh voters today.
The BJP is eying on retaining power in the state overturning the trend of an alternative government in the state since 1982, while the Congress is posing its faith in its ’10 guarantees’ that the party has promised to deliver on if it comes to power. The Aam Aadmi Party is also aiming at making inroads into the hill state hoping to present a strong performance in the polls.
However, both BJP and Congress are also fighting the problem of rebels on some seats.
Read MoreHimachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Voting in Himachal Pradesh begins
Voting for 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh begins; fate of 412 candidates in the fray
Voting for 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh begins; fate of 412 candidates in the fray. #HimachalPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/Lr0SN6PPn2
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2022
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 LIVE
Nearly 30,000 security personnel deployed to ensure free, fair polls
As many as 67 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprising 6,700 personnel and 15 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies have been depoyed for holding free and fair Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh.
Besides this, 50,000 government employees have been put on poll duty. As many as 25,000 police officers are also stationed across the state.
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