India's first voter Shyam Saran Negi passes away
Shimla(PTI): India's first voter Shyam Saran Negi died on Saturday morning at his residence in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur. He was over 100 years old.
On November 3, Negi had cast his vote through postal ballot for the state's Assembly polls, the Election Commission said. The EC mourned Negi's demise and said he had great faith in democracy.
"Not just first voter of Independent India, but a man with exceptional faith in democracy.
"ECI mourns the demise of Shri Shyam Saran Negi. We are eternally grateful for his service to the nation," EC spokesperson said.
"He inspired millions to vote, even before his demise, he voted for Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 through postal ballot on November 2, 2022," the poll panel said on Twitter.
The BJP and the Congress, too, sent condolences to the Negi family.
"The BJP expresses deep sadness and condolences on the demise of independent India's first voter Shyam Saran Negi. May God grant peace to the departed soul," the BJP said.
After Negi cast his vote a couple of days ago, Kinnaur deputy commissioner had felicitated him at his residence.
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DCM DK Shivakumar accuses BJP of targeting Siddaramaiah politically
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to undermine senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political career. Speaking to the media near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar described Siddaramaiah as "the strongest mass leader in the state" and claimed the BJP is making efforts to politically "finish him."
“Siddaramaiah is a prominent mass leader of Karnataka, and that is precisely why the BJP is trying to neutralize his influence,” said Shivakumar. He went on to suggest that this was part of a larger strategy by the BJP to target Congress and opposition leaders across the country.
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When asked about recent allegations made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Shivakumar remarked that he was not fully informed on the matter. However, he suggested that Vijayan’s comments were likely motivated by fears of an electoral defeat. “Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, and the Congress party believes in bringing together people from all walks of life. Her decision has received appreciation from the people of Kerala, including those in Wayanad,” he added, referring to her recent initiatives in the state.
