An overall 84.05 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of the panchayat elections in Kullu district on Tuesday. The highest polling of 87.13 per cent was witnessed in Banjar block, followed by Bhuntar block (85.20 per cent), Naggar (85.18 per cent), Kullu (85.01 per cent), Anni (82.33 per cent) and Nirmand (79.40 per cent). Of the total 114,072 voters, including 56,111 women, 95,881, including 47,569 women, exercised their right to franchise in 85 gram panchayats of the district at 511 polling stations. While 83.35 per cent males cast their vote, 84.78 per cent women voters exercised their right to franchise.
The administration had deployed 2,044 polling officials and 869 security personnel to ensure peaceful voting that took place from 7 am to 3 pm.
Meanwhile, a government employee on election duty was found absent, prompting the Election Commission to issue a show-cause notice to him. The Manali SDM demanded a written explanation within 24 hours from him and warned him of disciplinary action if he fails to respond.
According to the notice issued by the Returning Officer-cum-SDM, Manali, Chander Mani, a technician posted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute regional station, Katrain, was appointed the polling officer at Katrain Ward No. 2. He was required to report for election duty at the designated time and location. However, a complaint was received stating that he did not report for duty. The administration termed his absence as gross negligence.
The employee was directed to submit a written clarification within 24 hours. Officials made it clear that failure to respond within the stipulated time would be taken as having no defence to offer, following which disciplinary action would be initiated under the election rules and the government guidelines.
