31-May-2024 10:58 PM
4651
Shimla, May 31 (Reporter) Himachal Pradesh' four Lok Sabha seats -- Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Hamirpur -- will vote in the final phase on Saturday and Election Commission Secretary Santosh Kumar inspected facilities at polling stations in Fatehpur and Noorpur assembly constituencies on Friday.
Kumar reminded poll officials necessary guidelines as he took keen interest in the booths operated by women personnel in Suneht and those operated by physically challenged personnel in Kut.
Keeping in mind the theme of "festival of elections", special care has been taken to provide drinking water, toilets, electricity and internet connectivity in the polling booths. There will be ramp facility for the specially-abled voters.
In Kangra, District Election Officer Hemraj Bairwa took stock of the preparations. He said that mock polling will begin at 5.30 am.
Given the ongoing heatwave conditions, Bairwa urged voters to be early birds and get ready to vote as soon as possible, although voting facilities will be available from 7 am to 6 pm.
He advised voters to remain hydrated, and use umbrella to reach booths, avoid tight-fitting clothes and take help of shades.
In case of heat stroke, all help will be available on the spot as poll officials have been given training to deal with the situation.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Guleria told UNI that all health institutions will remain open on voting day. "On June 1, not only big health institutions but also primary health centres will remain open with all staff deployed," he added.
In case of emergency, patient will be sent to nearest health centre and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate will be informed through the Sector Officer and ambulance service will be available.
Guleria said that all the health workers posted in health institutions have ensured their participation in voting through ballot.
In Kangra district, 10 candidates are in the fray for the Kangra-Chamba Lok Sabha seat and four candidates are contesting in the Dharamshala assembly by-election.
Bairwa said that green polling stations were being set up to discourage the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections.
In Mandi, BJP has nominated Bollywood queen Kangana Ranaut against Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, the Rampur royal family heir and son of former Himachal Pradesh CM late Virbhadra Singh.
In Hamirpur, Union Minister and four-time MP Anurag Thakur is seeking a fifth term...////...