Himachal Pradesh polls: Independent India's first voter to cast his vote today

Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India's first voter, is all set to cast his vote on Thursday in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. Negi (100), a retired schoolteacher, created history when he voted in Kalpa in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh to become Independent India's first voter in 1951.

Ahead of Assembly polls, the Election Commission has made special preparations for Negi to vote. As the centenarian finds it difficult to walk, Kinnaur district administration will provide a special vehicle to take him to the polling station and drop him back home. At the polling station, Negi would receive a grand welcome, reported India Samvad. It is said that Negi never missed voting in any State or Lok Sabha election and has been under full media glare when he goes out to vote.

The polling for all 68 seats in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has begun at 8 am amid tight security arrangements. 337 candidates, including 19 women, are in the fray, with more than 50 lakh voters eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling, which began at 8 am, will end at 5 pm.