By: Vijay Kumar Verma ( Editor-ICN Group )
SHIMLA: Voting began with great enthusiasm in all the constituencies of Himachal Pradesh today at 8 am. While in the first four hours over 28 % voting had taken place while as the day progressed the number is increasing. By 2 pm the voter turnout has increased to 54 percent. First time voters and youngsters are showing interest in exercising their franchise.
High profile Virbhadra Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya Singh cast their votes in Rampur Bushr, their ancestral home. Virbhadra Singh is contesting from Arki in District Solan while his son Vikramaditya Singh is a candidate from Shimla Rural.
As per reports from different polling stations the voting process was delayed upto 35 minutes due to fault in the EVMs. Voting could be resumed after replacing or repairing the machines. This lead to exchange of words and even scuffle between the voters and the security staff at some places. Some voters were seen returning without casting their votes.
Among other high profile voters were former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal his son and Member of Parliament Anurag Thakur, Mukesh Agnihotri, Satpal Sati etc.
