On wee hours of Saturday, Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India’s first voter died at 106 in Himachal Pradesh. The now deceased first voter of India will receive full state honour, reports state. Mr Negi died just days after casting vote for the recently held 14th Assembly elections of the state.
He exercised his right to vote for the 34th time in his life. Following his death, condolences poured in from all ranks and fronts of political landscape.
Fondly called Master Shyam by locals, Mr Negi became the first voter of Indian democracy after the general polls of the nation were held back in 1952, in January and February. Since 1951, Mr Negi made his presence at every Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, and even local body elections.
Earlier this month, Mr. Negi casted his vote for the 34th time on November 2. He had taken to the Kalpa polling station to cast his vote for the 14th Assembly elections. His unique feat was acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi as well.
“This is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for the younger voters to take part in the elections and strengthen our democracy,” PM Modi had tweeted earlier.
After his death, Deputy Commissioner of Kunnaur, Amandeep Garg told media that Mr Negi will be cremated with full state honour.
The Facts of the Matter
The right to vote is one of the most crucial constitutional rights Indians are privileged with. Thanks to this right, a larger consensus can let their displeasure known, and create a space for political leaders that may usher a new wave of change.
Earlier on wee hours of Saturday, India lost its first voter who had exercised his right to vote as many as 34 times. On Saturday, Shyam Saran Negi, independent India’s first voter, died of old age. He was 106 years old and lived in Himachal Pradesh at the time of his passing.
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Voted in India’s First General Elections
Popularly known as Master Shyam, Mr. Negi casted the first ever vote of Independent India for the general elections on October 25, 1951. Since then, Mr. Negi has never missed a chance to caste vote. From Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, to local body elections, Mr. Negi has keenly taken to the polling booth and casted his vote.
Shri Shyam Saran Negi
Shyam Saran Negi’s Last Voting Experience
Due to his ailing health and age, he was asked to vote at home for the recently held assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh. However, the centenarian refused the offer, and maintained his decision to go to the voting booth. However, on the day of voting, he was ill, and accordingly, casted his vote from home.
Such was the fervour and excitement around Mr. Negi’s voting, that Mr. Negi casted his votes with members of election administration. After casting vote, he was also given a bouquet and a traditional cap and muffler.
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PM Modi Acknowledged Mr Negi’s Feat
His achievement of exercising his right for as many as 34 times was also acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi. “This is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for the younger voters to take part in the elections and strengthen our democracy,” PM Modi had tweeted earlier.
Himachal CM Pays Tribute
After his passing, Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur paid tributes to Mr. Negi and 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.”
Born on July 1, 1917, Mr Negi was a teacher till 1975. For his incredible feat, he will receive full state honour.
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