Women Lead Strong in Himachal Panchayat Elections

Over 77 per cent polling was recorded in the first phase of the Himachal Pradesh panchayat elections till 3 pm on Tuesday as women voters polled six per cent more than men, officials said.

Voting for 1,293 panchayats began at 7 am and concluded peacefully at 3 pm, amid a 'yellow' alert for heatwave conditions in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur districts.

The data showed that 80.39 per cent of women voters turned up at polling booths, as against 74.11 per cent of men. The highest turnout was recorded in Kullu district at 83.95 per cent, followed by 80.78 per cent in Sirmaur.

In Bilaspur district, 113-year-old Manglu Devi exercised her right to vote at the 'Pink Booth', inspiring many with her spirit to participate in democracy.

In Mandi district, women's empowerment was showcased as female officials managed the election in Ghanghal Panchayat, a move praised for promoting women's leadership.

More than 16.5 lakh voters are eligible to participate in the elections, set across three phases with results for some positions announced on May 31.

(With inputs from agencies.)