Janjivan Bureau / Shimla : Despite the biting cold and snow in several parts of the state, the polling percentage in the hill state touched 55 per cent by 3 pm, indicating that Himachal could surpass the 2017 percentage of 75.57.
Even though there was bright sun and clear skies across the state, polling in districts like Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti, Bharmour and higher reaches of Chamba and Shimla districts was sluggish in the morning hours. However, there was brisk polling after noon as the average for the Sate touched 55 per cent by 3 pm.
The polling was peaceful and smooth as so far not a single incident of poll related violence has been reported from across the state. The initial polling trends indicate that the polling would be highest in districts like Sirmour, Solan and Shimla where polling had crossed 60 per cent in most assembly constituencies.
The highest polling of 64 per cent had been reported from Renuka, 63 percent from Pachhad and 61 per cent from Shillai, all three in Sirmour district which had recorded high polling even in 2017 polls. Similarly, Jubbal-Kotkhai in Shimla had recorded 64 per cent polling by 3 pm, besides 61 per cent in Theog, both in Shimla.
The polling in predominantly urban areas of Shimla, like last time in 2017 was slow. The lowest polling of 45 per cent has been reported from Bhoranj in Hamirpur by 3 pm, followed by 47 per cent in Kasumpti and 52 per cent in Shimla (Urban). These area had recorded a low turnout last time also with the overall polling percentage of – Shimla- Urban (63.93), Kasumpti (66.86), Solan (66.45) and Hamirpur (68.52) per cent.
There was great enthusiasm amongst the voters, especially the first timers, who were very keen to cast their vote. Despite the facility of casting their vote from the comforts of their homes, large number of people above 80 arrived at the polling station to cast their vote, some in wheel chairs.