From Shimla to the icy heights of Spiti, more than 55 lakh voters across Himachal Pradesh are expected to step out on Saturday to elect a new state government.
The Election Commission has set up 7,884 polling stations, including three temporary voting stations in remote areas.
One of the polling station has been set up in Tashigang in Lahaul and Spiti. Situated at 15,256 feet, the polling station in Tashigang is the world's highest polling and will cater to 52 voters. It has been made Model Polling station to make voting easy for senior citizens and disabled voters.
Lahaul-Spiti district has 92 polling stations, the lowest in the state.
With snow spells in the higher reaches of the hill state, polling officials had to cover snow-covered assembly constituencies on foot to ensure that even the voters in far-flung areas get to vote in the election.
Chamba, a remote district of the state, has the maximum number of 1,459 voters. The 26-Chask Bhatori polling station of Bharmour AC is the remotest station in this district, where the polling party has to walk a distance of 14 km to reach.
Tashigang (Lahaul&Spiti ), has world's highest polling station at 15,256 ft & 52 registered voters, is set to retain its record of 100% voter turnout in the Nov 12 assembly election. It has been made Model Polling station to make voting easy for senior citizens & disabled voters. pic.twitter.com/SJcw86Z3lL
- CEO Himachal (@hpelection) November 12, 2022A total of 412 candidates, including Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, former Chief Minister Virbhadhra Singh's son Vikramaditya Singh, are contesting in the elections in 68 constituencies across the state.
For the ruling BJP - which is hoping to break the state's tradition of governments being voted out after a single term - Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led the campaign from the front, wrapping up his campaign with a personal appeal to voters of the state, where he said every vote cast for the BJP symbol "lotus" will enhance his strength.
AdvertisementThe election is also crucial for the Congress which is hoping for a comeback after years of sliding electoral fortunes.
The counting of the votes has been scheduled for December 8.
