CM Dhami casts vote with mother in Khatima as panchayat polls begin in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami cast his vote on Thursday for the ongoing three-tier Panchayat elections in the state.

Accompanied by his mother, Bishna Devi, the Chief Minister voted at booth number three of a school located in Nagla Tarai village, Khatima.

The Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand are being held in two phases across 12 districts, excluding Haridwar. The first phase of voting is being conducted today, while the second phase is scheduled for July 28. The counting of votes will take place on July 31.

The State Election Commission, led by Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar, issued the poll notification following the Nainital High Court’s decision to lift its earlier stay order on the election process, which was imposed on June 23.

Earlier in the day, CM Dhami urged citizens to turn out in large numbers and make their vote count. Taking to social media platform X, he appealed to voters to elect deserving and dedicated candidates. He wrote, “Empowered Panchayats, Empowered Uttarakhand. Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights. With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system.”

Earlier this week, on July 23, CM Dhami also expressed satisfaction regarding Uttar Pradesh’s transfer of ₹1,600 crore to Uttarakhand towards the state’s pension share for financial years 2021–22 and 2022–23. He thanked Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and highlighted the improved coordination between the two states, noting that issues related to assets and liabilities are being addressed promptly.