"Every vote matters in vision of developed India": Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges active voter participation in polls

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 20 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the voters in Maharashtra and Jharkhand to actively participate in elections, stressing that their votes are crucial in strengthening democracy and promoting the region's development, especially in sectors like education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure.
"Each and every vote matters in realizing the vision of a developed India," said Chief Minister Dhami.
In a message to the people for the Kedarnath by-election, CM Dhami also requested that voters in the Kedarnath Assembly region actively participate in the electoral process, highlighting that their votes are essential for the region's growth.
Taking to his official handle on X, CM Dhami posted, "Dear residents of Kedarnath, it is a humble request to all of you to exercise your valuable right to vote to take the development journey of Kedarnath Assembly to new heights. Your vote will not only strengthen democracy but will also pave the way for overall development and prosperity of the region along with education, health, employment and infrastructure."
"I appeal to all the voters of Maharashtra and Jharkhand to exercise their franchise wisely. Your every vote is important to strengthen democracy. Your one vote will prove to be helpful in the overall development, prosperity of the country and in realizing the dream of a developed India. Fulfill your responsibility and strengthen democracy," read the post.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded a voter turnout of 6.61 per cent till 9 am on Wednesday in the single-phase assembly elections that began earlier this morning, while Jharkhand registered a voter turnout of 12.71 per cent by the same time in the second phase of assembly elections in the State, according to the Election Commission of India.
As per the polling body's data in Maharashtra, the naxal-hit district Gadchiroli recorded the highest voter turnout of 12.33 per cent, while the district of Osmanabad recorded the lowest voter turnout of 4.85 per cent till 9 am.
Voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single-phase on 288 seats of Maharashtra assembly elections and second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, covering the remaining 38 seats.
Earlier on Monday, CM Dhami expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a decisive victory in the Kedarnath Assembly constituency, citing a favourable atmosphere for the party.
As of 9 am today, the total voter turnout in the Kedarnath by-election was recorded at 4.30 per cent. The by polls is seen as an important event for the region's political future.
After the demise of BJP MLA Shaila Rani Rawat in July this year, the assembly seat in Rudraprayag district fell vacant.
Among the six candidates in the fray for the seat, the fight is between BJP's Asha Nautiyal and Congress's Manoj Rawat.
Earlier in the day, polling commenced for the by-elections in 15 Assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand.
Earlier, mock polls were conducted in all constituencies to ensure a smooth election day. Election officials have worked tirelessly to finalise preparations, while security arrangements have been tightened across polling stations to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process for citizens. (ANI)