The first voter in independent India, Shyam Saran Negi, has passed away in Himachal Pradesh
On Saturday, Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India’s first voter, passed away in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. He was 105 years old. According to officials in Kinnaur, Negi died of natural causes and will be cremated with full state honours.
Two days ago, Negi, who first voted in 1952, cast his postal ballot for the 2022 Assembly elections.
During India’s first general election in 1951-52, voting in Kinnaur was held several months earlier than in the rest of the country due to geographical reasons – the district is situated at a high altitude, making winter polling difficult. As a 34-year-old, Negi cast his vote in Kalpa and became the first voter in a free India.
Having been born on July 1, 1917, Negi claimed to have voted in every parliamentary, Assembly, and panchayat election.
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, expressed his condolences and stated that he had voted for the 34th time, fulfilling his civic duty.
Several awareness campaigns and advertisements featured Negi, including those produced by the Election Commission and private companies.
