Dehradun: Braving tough hilly terrain amid weather alerts for heavy rains, Uttarakhand recorded an impressive 70% voter turnout in the second phase of its three-tier panchayat elections on Monday.
Notably, this phase saw a remarkable revival of activity in long-abandoned villages across the hills, signaling a significant shift in engagement of people who had left their villages many years ago.
21,57,199 registered voters participated across 4709 polling stations
According to data released by the State Election Commission, a total of 21,57,199 registered voters participated across 4709 polling stations spread over 40 development blocks. While the plains districts such as Udham Singh Nagar showed soaring enthusiasm with 84.26% voting, the hill districts also recorded strong participation despite inclement weather. Gender-wise, female voters led the charge with 74.50% turnout compared to 65.50% male participation.
68% turnout recorded in the first phase
The trend marks a modest rise from the 68% turnout recorded in the first phase, edging close to the 2019 figure of 69.59%. More importantly, it has sparked conversations about political reawakening in Uttarakhand’s “ghost villages”—settlements left desolate by years of migration due to lack of infrastructure, opportunities, and essential services.
Ghost villages revived amid electoral hustle-bustle
Many people came back to their old villages for the elections, breaking the usual pattern of migration. Homes that had been shut for years were opened, and paths leading to them were cleaned. In remote villages, people lined up at polling booths, even on muddy roads. Watching both young and elderly residents walk through the rain to vote made the whole scene feel powerful and moving.
Results set to be declared on July 31
The second phase sealed the fate of 14,751 candidates, with results set to be declared on July 31. These elections, while routine in format, have become symbolic of the pressing need to address rural decline. Locals believe the resurgence in civic participation could push elected leaders to act on long-standing promises of halting migration and investing in sustainable development.
“In past elections, candidates spoke of migration but never followed through. This time, we hope our votes speak louder,” said a voter from a hamlet near Pauri Garhwal that recently saw a handful of families return for polling day.
Voting concluded peacefully across all development blocks
Amid weather warnings for heavy rains and thunderstorms in most of the districts in Uttarakhand, the state election commission faced logistical challenges. State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar confirmed that voting concluded peacefully across all development blocks. Security arrangements were in place, and minor disruptions due to rain were swiftly handled.
