Himachal Pradesh Election 2022 Highlights: Himachal records 65.92% turnout till 5 pm, says poll panel

While the official announcement of the polls have been made, the official voters' turnout is still awaited. Latest reports suggest that the state witnessed a turnout of more than 60 per cent.

The high-altitude district of Lahaul and Spiti had recorded 21.95 per cent, the lowest, till 1 pm, but polling was brisk as the sun came out with it recording the highest till 3 pm. The lowest turnout of 46 per cent was recorded in Chamba district till 3 pm. (PTI)

The highest polling of 62.75 per cent was recorded in Lahaul and Spiti district, followed by 60.38 per cent in Sirmour and 58.9 per cent in Mandi, the home district of Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.

Seraj in Mandi from where the chief minister is contesting and Sujanpur recorded 65 per cent polling, the highest among the 68 assembly constituencies. Anni constituency in Kullu recorded a polling of 62.4 per cent, Arki 40 per cent, Churah 34.68 per cent and Dalhousie 38.44 per cent, among others. (PTI)

Only around five per cent polling was recorded in the first hour, while till 11 am, it was 19.98 per cent. It notched up to 37.19 percent by 1 pm and till 3 pm, the state recorded a 55.65 per cent turnout.

Himachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 55 per cent till 3 PM.

“Voting is underway in Himachal Pradesh today. Festival of democracy is worth watching,” says CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar in a video message.

Leader of Opposition, CLP Leader, Himachal Pradesh Mukesh Agnihotri casts his vote along with his family.

The lowest turnout of 21 per cent was recorded in Bhoranj constituency, Rampur with 21.09 per cent and 21.95 per cent in Lahaul Spiti assembly constituency till 1 PM. (PTI)

The highest polling of 41.89 percent was recorded in Sirmour district, followed by 41.17 percent in Mandi, the home district of Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. The high altitude district of Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest of 21.95 per cent while Chamba saw 28.35 percent voting till 1 pm.

Anni constituency in Kullu recorded a polling of 46.04 per cent, Barsar 45.49 per cent, Jubbal Kotkhai 46.07 per cent, Theog 46 per cent and Rohru constituency recorded a turnout of 46.70 per cent. (PTI)

Voters wade through snow as they make way to their nearest polling station to cast their votes for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, in the Bharmour Assembly constituency area. (Photo: @hpelection/Twitter)

BJP national president JP Nadda says that Jairam Thakur will continue to be the CM.

“We definitely are in comfortable majority. Election has been contested under the leadership of Jairam Thakur and he will continue (to be the CM face),” says Nadda. (ANI)

“People of Himachal are aware of their rights and voting right. So, polling is always good here. I see zeal, people want to give BJP another chance. I also see that people love and trust PM Modi and want BJP govt again. I see a favourable atmosphere for BJP,” says BJP chief JP Nadda.

Naro Devi, a 105-year-old voter, casts her vote in the Churah Assembly constituency at polling station 122.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar says that 157 polling stations across the state are such that are being managed solely by women staff. “In Hamirpur district, crèche facility has also been made available so that those who come with children don't have to face any issue,” he says.

“There are 56,000 PwD (Persons with Disabilities) voters in Himachal. We have made a lot of arrangements for them. 37 polling stations are being managed solely by PWD staff. This is a tool of their employment which we wanted to display,” says CEC Rajiv Kumar. (ANI)

Sardar Pyar Singh, 103, casts his vote for Himachal Pradesh.

About 17.98 per cent voter turnout recorded in Himachal Pradesh till 11 am. (ANI)

Elderly Voters being facilitated at the Polling stations.

We are contesting under the leadership of CM Jairam Thakur. Himachal government did good work under his leadership for five years. So, we are confident that the people will bless us once again so that the double-engine govt comes back,” says Union Minister Anurag Thakur

“There's mood for change. Vast sections of society suffered especially government employees, youth despondent because of unemployment, women and young people who will serve after Agnipath,” says Anand Sharma.

Congress MP Anand Sharma cast his vote at Sainik Rest House Longwood, Shimla polling station.

Restoration of the old pension scheme, 300 units of free power, a Rs 680-crore StartUp fund, one lakh jobs and Rs 1,500 per month for women between 18 to 60 years are among the promises the Congress made in its manifesto for the Himachal Pradesh polls.

“Himachal will vote for OPS, Himachal will vote for employment and Himachal will vote for 'Har Ghar Lakshmi'. Come, vote in large numbers, and make your valuable contribution to the progress and prosperous future of Himachal,” Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet (in Hindi), appealing to the voters of the hill state.

5.02% voter turnout recorded in Himachal Pradesh till 9 am – 1.56% turnout in Lahaul and Spiti and 6.26% in Sirmaur.

“Vote first, then work. People of Devbhoomi Himachal are going to vote today for the golden future of the state. Only a corruption-free government with good governance will take Himachal forward on the path of progress. Be a big part of the celebration of democracy, inspire others, choose the right one,” Anurag Thakur said in a tweet (in Hindi).

Former Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal, his son and Union Minister Anurag Thakur and their family cast their votes for Himachal Pradesh Elections.

“Our government formed yet again in Uttarakhand, UP, Manipur and Goa, it will happen this time in HP and Gujarat, as well… Congress has a habit of making false promises and the public knows their real face,” says Anurag Thakur, Union Minister and BJP MP from Hamirpur. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh and her son and party MLA Vikramaditya Singh cast their votes for Himachal Pradesh Elections, in Rampur, Shimla.

“BJP will form its govt once again as per the morning trend. People casting votes in large numbers,” says BJP MLA from Shimla Suresh Bhardwaj. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh Minister and BJP MLA from Shimla Suresh Bhardwaj cast his vote.

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh and her son and party MLA Vikramaditya Singh offered prayers at Shani Mandir in Shimla, ahead of casting their votes.

“In the recent bypoll in the state, the Government faced defeat. That was semi final, this is the final. They will lose these elections too. Congress will form government with majority,” says Vikramaditya Singh, Congress MLA. (ANI)

“Poll is being contested to take state forward and change its condition. This isn't just about Congress leaders and workers but about future of the state. Current govt suppressed and overlooked voices of all sections of society, says Vikramaditya Singh, Congress MLA (ANI)

“Confident of a grand win. Feedback is great. Most importantly, people are casting their votes peacefully,” says CM Jairam Thakur. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur and his family cast their votes in Seraj Assembly constituency. Visuals from polling station 44 in Mandi.

“Today is the polling day for all the assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh. I request all the voters of Devbhoomi to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy and create a new record of voting. My special wishes to all the youth of the state who voted for the first time on this occasion,” says PM Modi in a tweet (in Hindi).

“I don't think there is anything like that. As far as voters are concerned, majority of them see who has worked & who has to be brought forward,” Pratibha Singh, Himachal Congress chief when asked if she thinks there is anti-incumbency in the state. (ANI)

“All people of Himachal Pradesh are very excited. Everyone will cast their vote today and cooperate to form a new government in the state,” says Pratibha Singh, Himachal Pradesh Congress chief. (ANI)

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur, his wife Sadhana Thakur and daughters Chandrika Thakur and Priyanka Thakur, offered prayers in Mandi, ahead of casting their votes for the state elections.

“I'm confident that people want to repeat this govt. I have started receiving greeting wishes this morning. I received PM Modi's message a while ago, he gave me his blessings & best wishes,” says CM Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur.

“I am happy that the campaign completed in a good atmosphere. People of Himachal cooperated. I thank the people of Himachal for this. I urge all voters to cast their vote today so that we can further strengthen democracy,” says Himachal CM Jairam Thakur

Voting across 68 Assembly constituencies begin. Voters queue up to exercise their franchise.

Welcome to our live blog. Catch us for all election updates as we bring to you all live updates for the high-octane Himachal Pradesh elections.