HP polls 2022 Live Updates: Voting concludes, Counting of votes on December 8
12 min read.Updated: 12 Nov 2022, 05:46 PM ISTLivemintPremiumHimachal Pradesh election: Students take part in the voters awareness campaign at Ridge, Shimla (HT_PRINT)
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2022 Live Updates: Voting begins in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday
Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections 2022: The hilly state has begun to vote to elect a new government in the Assembly polls on Saturday (12 November). The HP elections will decide the fate of 412 candidates today. Around 55 lakh voters are set to cast vote in this single phase election in Himachal Pradesh today.
The BJP is eying on retaining power in the state overturning the trend of an alternative government in the state since 1982, while the Congress is posing its faith in its '10 guarantees' that the party has promised to deliver on if it comes to power. The Aam Aadmi Party is also aiming at making inroads into the hill state hoping to present a strong performance in the polls.
In 2017, BJP swept the Himachal polls, bagging 44 of the total 68 seats while Congress managed to get just 21 seats.
Check all the latest updates related to Himachal Pradesh elections on Livemint live blog:
12 Nov 2022, 05:46:40 PM IST
EVMs and VVPATs being sealed and secured at polling booths in Dharamshala and Shimla
12 Nov 2022, 05:43:05 PM IST
Districtwise, highest polling of 62.75% recorded in Lahaul and Spiti district, followed by 60.38% in Sirmour and 58.9% in Mandi
12 Nov 2022, 04:33:22 PM IST
Highest polling recorded in Seraj (70%), least in Bhoranj (45%)
12 Nov 2022, 04:32:54 PM IST
157 polling stations solely being managed by women staff: CEC
Addressing a press conference, CEC Rajiv Kumar said, "157 polling stations across the state are such that are being managed solely by women staff. In Hamirpur district, a creche facility has also been made available so that those who come with children don't have to face any issues."
12 Nov 2022, 04:31:19 PM IST
55% voter turnout recorded in Himachal Pradesh till 3 pm
12 Nov 2022, 03:24:22 PM IST
103-Year-Old Himachal Man Casts Vote
A 103-year-old citizen of Himachal Pradesh, Sardar Pyar Singh, cast his vote in the election.
12 Nov 2022, 02:55:47 PM IST
Mandi has highest voter turnout of 41.17% by 1 pm
The highest turnout was recorded in Mandi, the home district of CM Thakur, EC data shows.
Bilaspur: 34.05%
Chamba: 28.35%
Hamirpur: 35.86%
Kangra: 35.50%
Kinnaur: 35.00%
Kullu: 40.33%
Lahaul & Spiti: 21.95%
Mandi: 41.17%
Shimla: 37.30%
Sirmour: 41.89%
Solan: 37.90%
Una: 39.93%
12 Nov 2022, 02:30:43 PM IST
It will be a fitting tribute to Shyam Saran Negi to cast votes in large numbers : Chief Election Commissioner
I salute the 1.2 lakh state voters over the age of 80.Youth have the opportunity to move forward by drawing inspiration from them. We pay tribute to the late Shyam Saran Negi, and it would be fitting tribute him by turning out to vote in large numbers: CEC
12 Nov 2022, 02:26:11 PM IST
Vote with full understanding to weave the future of Himachal: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
As the state votes on 412 candidates for 68 assembly constituencies, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Himachal Pradesh voters to "vote with full understanding in weaving the future of Himachal" on Saturday. "Dear Himachali people, you all very well understand your situation and your state. Take into account your circumstances, exercise your right to vote with complete comprehension, and make a significant contribution to resolving the issue and shaping Himachal's future. Jai Hind, Jai Himachal," she wrote on Twitter.
12 Nov 2022, 02:14:37 PM IST
We definitely are in comfortable majority: JP Nadda on HP elections 2022
BJP national president JP Nadda when asked about Himacha Pradesh Election 2022 and CM face of the BJP, Nadda said, “We definitely are in comfortable majority. Jairam Thakur led the election campaign, and he will continue" (as the CM's face).
12 Nov 2022, 01:57:26 PM IST
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections: State records 37.19 % voter turnout till 1 pm
Showing an increasing trend, voter turnout reached 37.19 % in Himachal Pradesh till 1:00 pm. Mandi continued to be the district with maximum voters turnout. Around 41.17% voters cast their vote in Mandi. Whereas, 21.95% people cast their vote in Lahaul and Spiti
12 Nov 2022, 01:34:03 PM IST
Himachal Pradesh elections: Centenarian woman casts vote at in Chamba district
Even though Election Commission of India has facilitated the 80 plus aged electors to vote through ballot papers, several centenarian showed up at polling centres. 105-year-old, Naro Devi, cast her vote at Ladhan polling of the Churah assembly constituency in Chamba district
12 Nov 2022, 01:14:59 PM IST
EC has become a branch of BJP: PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti
In a press conference, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti called Election Commission of India a branch of the BJP. She said the central polling body was silent when BJP campaigned on the basis of religious propaganda in Himachal Pradesh. “ECI is no longer independent like it used to be. ECI conducts election on BJP's signals" said Mehbooba Mufti
12 Nov 2022, 01:03:29 PM IST
People want the govt repeated: JP Nadda
Talking abou the prevalent trend of anti-incumbency trend, BJP Party chief JP Nadda has expressed confidence on BJP of changing the trend in Himachal Pradesh. He said people have decided to change the tradition because the development in last 5 yrs can be seen on ground. He further said there is an atmosphere of joy and people want the Govt repeated
12 Nov 2022, 12:41:02 PM IST
JP Nadda casts his vote in Bilaspur
BJP President, JP Nadda, along with his family reached Vijaypur in Bilaspur to cast his vote for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
"With the kind of atmosphere I'm seeing since morning, I think people have zeal and that zeal is over something right. I request people to cast vote in large numbers," J P Nadda told ANI.
12 Nov 2022, 12:18:47 PM IST
157 polling stations across Himachal are managed by women, says CEC
Fighting the chilling winter and harsh terrain, women handle around 157 polling stations across Himachal Pradesh, told Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar to ANI. He also informed that there is a crèche facility available in Hamirpur district for the comfort of those who come with children.
12 Nov 2022, 11:55:02 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh records 17.98 % voter turnout by 11 am: EC
Voter turnout increased to 17.98 % in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections 2022, according to Election Commission of India. As per the data available on EC's Voter Turnout application, around 21.92 % voters caste their vote in Mandi till 11 am. This was the highest turnout in the state. Whereas, Lahaul and Spiti recorded the lowest voter turnout rate of 5 per cent.
Election Commission of India prohibited the release of any sort of exit or opinion poll on Himachal Pradesh Elections and Gujarat Elections from 12 November to 5 December.
12 Nov 2022, 11:05:05 AM IST
Anurag Thakur , Congress MLA Anand Sharma caste their vote in Himachal state assembly elections
Union Minister Anurag Thakur, his father and Former HP CM, Prem Kumar Dhumal and family, cast their vote in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections 2022. Congress MLA Anand Sharma voted at Sainik Rest House Longwood, Shimla polling station.
12 Nov 2022, 10:43:30 AM IST
Himachal will vote for employment: Rahul Gandhi
In his recent tweet, Rahul Gandhi said Himachal Pradesh will vote for employment, OPS, and ‘Har Ghar Lakshmi’. He also gave a clarion call to all the voters to participate in large numbers in Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections 2022.
हिमाचल वोट करेगा OPS के लिए
हिमाचल वोट करेगा रोज़गार के लिए
हिमाचल वोट करेगा 'हर घर लक्ष्मी' के लिए
आइए, भारी संख्या में मतदान कीजिए, और हिमाचल की प्रगति और खुशहाल भविष्य के लिए अपना महत्वपूर्ण योगदान दीजिए।
World's highest polling station, Lahaul Spiti, will vote for Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 on Saturday. As of now, the voter count stood at 1.56 per cent at Lahaul Spiti till 9:00 am. Total voter turnout stood at 5.02% till 9 am.
12 Nov 2022, 10:21:45 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Polls: Approx voter turn out remains 5.02 % till 9 am
According to Election Commission of India's Voter Turnout App, around 5.02 per cent of voters appeared to cast their vote in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 till 9:00 am.
12 Nov 2022, 09:36:12 AM IST
Political leaders head towards polling booth to caste their votes
Several political leaders reached polling booths to caste their vote in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022. Himachal Pradesh minister and BJP MLA from Shimla, Suresh Bhardwaj, cast his vote from polling station 63/87 in Shimla Assembly constituency.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh, along with her son and party MLA Vikramaditya Singh, offered prayers at Shani Mandir before casting her vote.
12 Nov 2022, 09:09:25 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur and family cast their vote for Himachal Pradesh elections
Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur along with his family reached polling station 44 in Mandi to cast his votes in Seraj Assembly constituency for Himachal Pradesh state assembly polls 2022. He expressed confidence of a grand win and said people are casting their votes peacefully. Earlier in the day, he tweeted to encourage people to come up and caste their vote
12 Nov 2022, 08:52:19 AM IST
Only a strong and corruption free govt can develop Himachal Pradesh: Amit Shah
In addition to PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted people to vote in maximum numbers. He especially encouraged the women and youths to participate in the democratic process. He also said that a strong and corruption free government in Himachal Pradesh can develop the state and full the aspiration of its people.
एक मजबूत और भ्रष्टाचार मुक्त सरकार ही हिमाचल प्रदेश को विकास में अग्रणी रख देवभूमि की जनता की आकांक्षाओं को पूरा कर सकती है।
हिमाचल के सभी मतदाताओं विशेषकर माताओं, बहनों व युवाओं से अपील करता हूँ कि प्रदेश के सुनहरे कल के लिए अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान कर एक सशक्त सरकार चुने।
PM Modi urges Himachal Pradesh voters to fully participate in 'festival of democracy'
Encouraging voters to enthusiastically participate in Himchal Pradesh Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged them to make new records. In his tweet, PM Modi greeted the young voters who will be casting their vote for the first time.
हिमाचल प्रदेश की सभी विधानसभा सीटों के लिए आज मतदान का दिन है। देवभूमि के समस्त मतदाताओं से मेरा निवेदन है कि वे लोकतंत्र के इस उत्सव में पूरे उत्साह के साथ भाग लें और वोटिंग का नया रिकॉर्ड बनाएं। इस अवसर पर पहली बार वोट देने वाले राज्य के सभी युवाओं को मेरी विशेष शुभकामनाएं।
Voting for 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh begins
As many as 55,92,828 electors are eligible to vote in the polls, which includes 67,559 service electors and 22 NRIs.
12 Nov 2022, 07:54:22 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh Elections 2022: Fight between BJP vs Congress vs AAP
Polling for the 68 assembly constituencies takes place on Saturday. The counting of votes is on December 8.
In the outgoing assembly, the ruling BJP holds 43 states. The state has alternated between the Congress and the BJP in every election since 1982 – and the opposition party says it is its “turn" now.
If that happens it would be a morale booster for the party that has lost state after state since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014.
Apart from this Himachal “rivaj" (convention) of booting out the incumbent each time, the opposition party is counting on the apparent dissatisfaction over the BJP government’s implementation of the new pension scheme.
In its 52-page election manifesto, Congress promised a return to the old pension scheme (OPS), which costs the government much more.
Taking a leaf out of the Aam Aadmi Party’s book – Arvind Kejriwal’s Party too hopes to make a dent in the state – the Congress manifesto also offered 300 units of free electricity. The party has assured a ₹1,500 per month stipend to women aged between 18 and 60.
The BJP manifesto released by party president J P Nadda promised bringing in a Uniform Civil Code and 33% reservation for women in government jobs and educational institutions.
Nadda promised creation of 8 lakh jobs, including the government ones, bicycles for girl students in classes six to 12 and scooters for girls in colleges
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Ahead of Himachal Pradesh assembly elections, students take part in the voters awareness campaign at Ridge, Shimla on Friday. (Deepak Sansta / HT) (HT_PRINT)
As many as 67 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprising 6,700 personnel and 15 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies have been depoyed for holding free and fair Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh.
Besides this, 50,000 government employees have been put on poll duty. As many as 25,000 police officers are also stationed across the state.
12 Nov 2022, 07:41:57 AM IST
BJP eyes history, Cong tradition in high-stakes Himachal Pradesh poll
The ruling BJP is hoping for an encore on the back of its development agenda, while the opposition Congress is urging voters to go by the four-decade old tradition of voting out incumbents in Himachal Pradesh.
For the ruling BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led the campaign from the front, wrapping up his canvassing with a personal appeal to voters of the state, where he said every vote cast for the BJP symbol "lotus" will enhance his strength.
For the Congress, which has been on a downhill electorally since the last two election cycles, wresting Himachal Pradesh from the BJP is a matter of survival.
The stakes are high for the grand old party which has installed a non-Gandhi Congress president after 24 years.
The Congress has lost in nine states over two years, including West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry in 2021 and Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur this year.
The Congress is banking on anti-incumbency and is raising issues of price rise, unemployment and old pension scheme in this election to woo the voters and bring about a change.
For the BJP, a Himachal win would come as a feather in the cap of Modi, who has coined the slogan of "pro-incumbency" in context of the party.
12 Nov 2022, 07:07:16 AM IST
Mock polling process for polling for the Himachal Pradesh
Preparations begin for polling for the Himachal Pradesh state elections, visuals from a booth in Hamirpur.
#WATCH | Mock polling process for polling for the Himachal Pradesh state elections underway; visuals from a booth in Hamirpur pic.twitter.com/lfxjabwTGL
Blessed with unparalleled scenic beauty, Himachal Pradesh, the state is also home to the world's highest polling station. The Tashigang polling booth is located at a height of 15,256 feet above sea-level, making it the world's highest.
However, despite the treacherous terrain, the Tashigang polling booth had logged 100 per cent polling in the last Lok Sabha elections. 47 registered voters, including 29 men and 18 women, turned up for the Lok Sabha bypoll.
12 Nov 2022, 06:59:56 AM IST
Himachal elections: Security arrangements
As many as 67 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) comprising 6,700 personnel and 15 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies have been deployed for holding free and fair Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh.
Besides this, 50,000 government employees have been put on poll duty. As many as 25,000 police officers are also stationed across the state.
Teams from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) comprising 800 personnel have also been posted.
12 Nov 2022, 06:59:56 AM IST
Himachal Pradesh elections: About polling stations
According to Election Commission, a total 7,881 polling stations has ben set up for today's polls. The Kangra district has maximum 1,625 polling stations while Lahaul-Spiti district has the lowest 92. There are 7,235 polling stations in rural and 646 polling stations in urban areas.
Besides, three auxiliary polling stations will also be set up at Sidhbari (Dharamshala), Bara Bhangal (Baijnath) and Dhillon (Kasauli).
12 Nov 2022, 06:55:43 AM IST
Himachal Assembly polls: Key players and constituencies
Seraj constituency: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur is contesting again from here. Congress has put up Chetram Thakur who had contested from the seat last time also.
Haroli constituency: Congress legislature party leader Mukesh Agnihotri is contesting his fifth election from the Haroli assembly segment in the Una district. BJP has pitted state spokesperson Ram Kumar against him.
Nadaun: Former Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, seen as a chief ministerial aspirant, is contesting from here. The BJP has fielded Vijay Agnihotri.
Dalhousie constituency: Former Himachal Minister and Congress leader Asha Kumari is contesting from here. She is pitted against BJP's DS Thakur and AAP's Manish Sareen.
Darang: Senior Congress leader Kaul Singh Thakur is again fighting from his traditional seat against BJP's Puran Chand Thakur and AAP candidate Sunita Thakur.
Shimla rural: Vikramaditya Singh, son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is recontesting from Shimla rural. BJP has fielded Ravi Mehta from the seat.
Shimla Urban: Congress' Harish Janartha is taking on BJP's 'chaiwala' candidate Sanjay Sood. AAP's Chaman Rakesh Ajta and CPI-M's Tikender Singh Pawar are also in the fray.
Nurpur: BJP has fielded a new candidate Ranveer Singh who is fighting against Ajay Mahajan of Congress and Manishi Kumari from AAP.
Nagrota: Congress candidate RS Bali is fighting against BJP candidate Arun Kumar Mehra and APP candidate Umakant Dogra.
Sulah: Himachal Pradesh speaker Vipin Parmar is fighting against Jagdish Sapheia and AAP candidate Ravinder Singh.
Sujanpur: Congress has again fielded Rajinder Singh Rana who defeated former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in the 2017 elections. BJP has fielded Ranjit Singh from the seat and AAP has fielded Anil Rana.
Bharmaur: BJP's Dr Janak Raj is taking on senior Congress leader Thakur Singh Bharmauri from Bharmaur. AAP has fielded Prakash Chand Bharadwaj.
Jubbal Kotkhai: The Congress has fielded sitting MLA Rohit Thakur. He is fighting against Chetan Singh Bragta of BJP. CPI-M has fielded Vishal Shangta and Shrikant Chauhan is AAP candidate.
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