People in Shimla district showcased great enthusiasm during the first phase of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) polls as about 80 per cent voters exercised their franchise.
Out of a total 1,81,037 voters, as many as 1,44,186 turned out to cast their vote on Tuesday. From first time voters, to senior citizens to centenary voters, people came out in large numbers to choose their PRI representatives, hoping for better infrastructure, improved facilities and drug free villages.
Polling for about 150 gram panchayats were held in Shimla district during the first phase. The polling was done through ballot papers, which continued till 3.00 pm.
Chandresh, a first time voter from Shimla said she was very excited about the entire voting process as it was a very unique experience. She hopes that the new elected representatives will work for the overall development of all the villages in the district as well as the state.
Pusha, a resident of Chamiana Gram Panchayat said she has casted her vote for better roads and better drinking water supply, which are two of the major issues being faced by the locals. She added that hopes are very high from the new representatives and people here expect that the new representatives will work for the betterment of their panchayat.
The phase two of the PRI elections will be held on May 28, in which voting will be held to elect representatives of 150 panchayats in the district. Similarly, the third phase will be held on May 30.
