Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed his deep grief over the death of first voter of independent India.
“His faith and commitment to the democratic processes of the country at the age of 106 is an inspiration to all. The death of Shyam Saran Negi ji of Himachal, the first voter of the country is sad. From the first election of the country till now, he has voted in all the elections.” Shah tweeted. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister also took to his twitter and expressed his grief over the demise of Negi. He wrote, “”Saddened to hear the news of the demise of Shyam Saran Negi Ji, the first voter of independent India and who belonged to Kinnaur”
According to Election Commission, Negi cast his final vote through postal ballot for the state’s assembly polls. The EC also mourned Negi’s demise and called him a “man with exceptional 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,” the election commission tweeted.
Several Other leaders from both BJP and Congress mourned the loss of country’s first voter and offered their condolences to the Negi family.
“The BJP expresses deep sorrow and condolences on the demise of independent India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi Ji, the first voter of independent India. May God bless the departed pious soul and give him peace and salvation,” the BJP’s Himachal unit tweeted
Shyam Saran Negi passed away at the age of 106 at his residence in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur.