Shimla: The first voter of Independent India, Shyam Saran Negi died on Saturday morning at the age of 106 in his native place Kalpa. He had earlier voted for the 34th time for the 14th Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections through a postal ballot at his residence. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur mourned the centenarian's death and said that he was "saddened" by the news. Negi belonged to Kinnaur and will be cremated with full state honour, said Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur.


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CM Thakur tweeted, "Saddened to hear the news of the demise of Shyam Saran Negi ji, the first voter of independent India and who belonged to Kinnaur. While performing his duty, he cast his postal vote for the assembly elections for the 34th time on November 2, this memory will always be emotional. Peace!"



 


He further wrote, "May God bless his virtuous soul at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family members."


According to reports, Negi cast his first vote on Oct 25, 1951. In an astonishing record, he has voted in every general election since that and was the oldest voter in the country.



 


The Election Commission of India had earlier shared a video of Shyam Saran Negi to inspire youth to participate in voting. Speaking on the same, Negi has said, "The young voters should consider their duty to vote and contribute in strengthening the Nation."