Did CM Dhami Cast His Vote in Khatima for the U'khand Panchayat Polls?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- First phase of panchayat elections began in Uttarakhand.
- CM Dhami arrived in Khatima to cast his vote.
- Over 2,247 candidates are competing for Gram Panchayat seats.
- Voter turnout remained high despite monsoon rains.
- Second phase of voting set for July 28.
Dehradun, July 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, made his way to Khatima on Thursday to participate in the voting process as the inaugural phase of the three-tier panchayat elections kicked off statewide. He arrived via helicopter, landing at the helipad located at Saraf Public School. Subsequently, he proceeded to the Nagla Tarai Primary School polling center to exercise his voting rights.
This voting event is taking place in two phases across 12 districts, excluding Haridwar, and will determine the selection of thousands of local officials.
As per the announcement from the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, there are a total of 2,247 candidates vying for 948 seats in the Gram Panchayat, while 9,731 candidates are competing for 3,393 positions in the Pradhan Gram Panchayat.
Moreover, 4,980 candidates are in the race for 1,507 seats in area panchayats, with 871 candidates contesting for 201 seats in district panchayats.
Approximately 2.6 million voters were eligible to participate in this initial phase. Despite ongoing monsoon rains, voters showed up in large numbers, forming lengthy queues outside polling stations throughout the state.
A total of 1,240 polling staff were assigned to guarantee the seamless execution of the elections, while stringent security measures were implemented to uphold law and order during the voting process.
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to X to encourage voters, stating, 'Today marks the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections. I urge all the esteemed citizens of the state to head to the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their right to vote.'
'With your vote, select capable, informed, and devoted representatives who will effectively voice your concerns and fortify the foundation of rural development. Your individual vote is a crucial step toward a resilient Panchayati Raj system,' he added.
The second phase of voting is set for July 28, with vote counting scheduled for July 31.