Shyam Saran Negi, the first voter of independent India, passed away in the early hours of Saturday. He was 106 years old. Negi had voted for the 14th Assembly on Wednesday itself through ballot paper for the first time from his home in Kalpa. PM Modi has also praised Negi, the country’s oldest voter. PM Modi said that this will inspire the new generation of people to vote.

Kinnaur DC informed that Shyam Saran Negi’s last rites will be performed with full state honours. CM Jai Ram Thakur has also condoled his death.

The CM tweeted, “Saddened to hear about 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! May God bless his virtuous soul at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family members.

It is worth mentioning that earlier Negi had said that he would go to the polling booth and vote, but due to ill health, he had to cast his vote from home. Negi, who voted for the 34th time, cast his vote through postal ballot for the first time on Wednesday. Born in July 1917, Negi has voted in the Lok Sabha elections 16 times since 1951. He is also the election icon of Himachal since 2014. Negi has voted in every election since 1951. Chief Electoral Officer Manish Garg also congratulated centenary voter Shyam Saran Negi for casting his vote.

District Election Officer Abid Hussain Sadiq told that a red carpet was laid to bring Negi to the postal booth built in the courtyard of his house. After voting his vote was sealed in an envelope and put in the ballot box. Shyam Saran Negi was honored with a cap and a muffler. Said that Shyam Saran Negi is not only the icon of Himachal but the country. We are a source of inspiration for all. Even after the age of 106, his passion to vote is a proof of the importance of every vote in the strengthening of democracy.