CHAMBA: Nearly fifty-five percent voters exercised their right of franchise for the Bharmaur (Tribal) seat of the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. There was heavy rush of women voters at all the polling stations of the constituency and they came to polling stations singing songs and attired in their colorful and traditional dresses.Since the sky was clear, the polling in the Bharmaur belt of the constituency started on a brisk note, whereas it was slow in the Pangi area due to biting cold. However, the pace of the polling became brisk in the afternoon hours.
An official spokesman claimed that the polling was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the constituency.
Meanwhile, leaders of both major parties, the Congress and BJP claimed that they won the Bharmaur seat.
The BJP on other hand alleged that the Congress candidate, Thakur Singh Bharmauri was pressuring the voters even inside the polling stations and was talking with the people on the mobiles. The party demanded strong punitive action against Bharmauri for the violation of the Model code of conduct issued for the elections.
A winter poll seems to have impacted the voter turnout, which is lower than what is normally recorded in a summer poll.
However, this election has given voice to the tribal people and their participation in government formation is empowerment of the people, who otherwise are swayed by the powers that form the government before these people are given an opportunity of even exercising their franchise.