Shyam Saran Negi, the country’s first voter, passed away on November 5, 2022, at his residence in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. He was 106.
Using a postal ballot for the first time, Negi exercised his right to vote on November 2 for the assembly elections of the state that would take place on November 12. Negi had never missed an opportunity to vote in his life. Given the harsh winters and early snowfall in Kinnaur, it was decided to hold the vote there on October 25, 1951, when the first general elections were announced in the country. In contrast, elections were held in other regions of the country in January and February of 1952, according to Times of India.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur expressed his condolences for the passing on Twitter and said it would always make him sad to think that Mr. Negi exercised his right to do so despite being ill.
After the election two days prior, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Abid Hussian Sadiq honored the centenarian at his home.
Mr. Negi was the brand ambassador for the Election Commission. His funeral will be attended by district election officials, according to Himachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
