An impressive 85.53 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 85 panchayats of Kullu district in the second phase of the elections to panchayati raj institutions (PRI) on Thursday, compared to 84.43 per cent in an equal number of panchayats in the first phase on May 26. District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chander Sharma said that the polling process concluded peacefully in the district. The highest voter turnout of 87.37 per cent was recorded in 14 panchayats of Banjar block, followed by 86.94 per cent in 14 panchayats of Kullu block, 86.28 per cent in 15 panchayats of Naggar block, 86.12 per cent in 17 panchayats of Bhuntar block, 84.77 per cent in 13 panchayats of Anni block and 80.77 per cent in 12 panchayats of Nirmand block.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had made extensive arrangements to ensure a fair, transparent and peaceful election process. All polling stations were provided with security, drinking water, electricity and health facilities, besides other essential services.
Sharma appreciated the efforts of government officials, employees, security personnel and various departments deployed on election duty. He said that it was due to their coordinated efforts the elections concluded peacefully. A total of 114,072 voters, including 57,961 women, cast their vote in 511 wards.
The Deputy Commissioner said that all arrangements had been completed well in advance and polling teams reached their centres on time. The voting took place from 7 am to 3pm. A total of 487 polling stations were established in 85 panchayats, supported by 1,948 polling staff and around 974 security personnel. The district has a total of 317,476 registered voters, including 156,527 women.
