Shimla, June 01 (HS). Voting is going on for six Lok Sabha seats and assembly by-elections in Himachal Pradesh and people are participating enthusiastically in this festival of democracy. Senior leaders of BJP and Congress went to their respective polling booths and cast their votes. BJP national president JP Nadda was the first to cast his vote by reaching Vijaypur polling booth in Bilaspur district at 7 am. His wife Mallika Nadda also cast her vote here.
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur exercised his franchise along with his family at around 9 a.m. His father and former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal also cast his vote at the same polling station.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur cast his vote along with his family at Auhan polling station falling under Seraj Assembly constituency. State BJP President Rajiv Bindal cast his vote in Nahan. BJP candidate from Shimla Lok Sabha seat Suresh Kashyap cast his vote at Gaggal Shikor of Pachhad Assembly constituency and BJP candidate from Mandi Kangana Ranaut cast her vote at Bhawla polling station of Sarkaghat Assembly constituency. BJP candidate from Kangra Lok Sabha seat Dr Rajiv Bhardwaj cast his vote at polling booth Jasoor along with his wife and son.
Voting began at 7 am in Himachal and about 32 per cent voting was recorded in the first four hours. The voting percentage is gradually increasing.