Himachal Pradesh polls voting updates: Voting ends in all 68 constituencies

Voting ends in Himachal Pradesh's 68 constituencies. All eyes are on December 8 now when the results will be out. 

51 out of 52 voters voted in the world's highest polling station booth in Tashigang, Himachal Pradesh. 98.08% voter turnout has been recorded.

55% voter turnout recorded in Himachal Pradesh till 3 pm 

The state recorded a voter turnout of 37.19% till 1 pm.

The voters were seen crossing snow-covered roads to reach the polling station at Pangi tehsil in Chamba district. 

Chief elections commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that there are  56,000 PwD (Persons with Disabilities) voters in Himachal. "We have made a lot of arrangements for them. 37 polling stations are being managed solely by PWD staff. This is a tool of their employment which we wanted to display," he added.

The state has recorded a voter turnout of around 18% so far. 

Here are voter turnout of some constituencies:

• Bilaspur - 13.84%
• Chamba - 12.07%
• Hamirpur - 19.40%
• Kangra - 16.49%
• Kinnaur - 20.00%
• Kullu- 14.54%
• Lahaul and Spiti - 5%
• Mandi- 21.92%
• Shimla- 17.73%
• Sirmaur - 21.66%
• Solan - 20.28%
• Una - 19.92%

After casting his vote, Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur said the Himachal government did commendable work under the leadership of chief minister Jairam Thakur. The Hamirpur MP also stoked optimism that the BJP will once again come to the power in the hill state. 

BJP president JP Nadda has cast his vote. He also said that the people of Himachal Pradesh are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "the party has delivered more than its promises in the state." 

The Election Commission of India has set up an all-women-managed polling station at Lalri in the Una district. It also urged women voters to come forward and cast their votes.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma has cast his vote at Sainik Rest House Longwood in Shimla. 

Former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal and his son Anurag Thakur cast votes along with their family. 

The state has recorded a low voter turnout of 6.24% in the first two-and-half hours of polling. So far, Manali has recorded the maximum turnout with 10% followed by Mandi with 8%. 

Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh has cast her votes in Shimla. "We'd like to tell the people of Himachal Pradesh to vote for development and work. Congress always worked for development & in the time to come only Congress can take that work forward in the state. We're confident of winning 40-45 seats," she said.  

Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh urged the people to come forward and vote in the interest of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur and family cast their votes in Seraj Assembly constituency.

"Confident of a grand win. Feedback is great. Most importantly, people are casting their votes peacefully," said CM Jairam Thakur.

Poll is being contested to take state forward & change its condition. This isn't just about Congress leaders & workers but about future of the state. Current government suppressed & overlooked voices of all sections of society, said Vikramaditya Singh, Congress MLA.

Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur, his wife Sadhana Thakur and daughters Chandrika Thakur & Priyanka Thakur, offered prayers in Mandi, ahead of casting their votes.

"There is excitement. We are happy and relaxed. Mandi has always supported (CM Jairam Thakur). People must have seen the development that happened and they will definitely vote for BJP," said Chandrika Thakur, daughter of CM Jairam Thakur.

People of Himachal Pradesh are casting their votes today to elect a new government in the state. Visuals from polling booth no. 12 in Dharamshala.

Voting should be taken more as a responsibility, today's generation takes it very lightly. There should be more progress & more facilities should be given in rural areas, said a voter. 

"All people of Himachal Pradesh are very excited. Everyone will cast their vote today and cooperate to form a new government in the state, said  Pratibha Singh," Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh said.

"I don't think there is anything like that. As far as voters are concerned, majority of them see who has worked & who has to be brought forward," Pratibha Singh said when asked if she thinks there is anti-incumbency in the state.

CM Jairam Thakur's wife Sadhana Thakur said that he is praying to good to bless her husband with success. 

Voting for 68 Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh begins. Fate of 412 candidates in the fray. BJP is challenging Himachal's swing state status while Congress is hoping to regain lost ground. 

"I am happy that the campaign completed in a good atmosphere. People of Himachal cooperated. I thank the people of Himachal for this. I urge all voters to cast their vote today so that we can further strengthen democracy," said Himachal CM Jairam Thakur.

"I'm confident that people want to repeat this govt. I have started receiving greeting wishes this morning. I received PM Modi's message a while ago, he gave me his blessings & best wishes," he said. 

Nearly 30,000 security personnel deployed to ensure free, fair polls in Himachal. Voting to begin shortly. 

Today is the polling day for all the assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh. I request all the voters of Devbhoomi to participate with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy and create a new record of voting.

"My special wishes to all the youth of the state who are going to vote for the first time on this occasion," the Prime Minsiter tweeted. 

Preparations begin for polling for the Himachal Pradesh state elections, visuals from a booth in Seraj. Voting on all 68 seats will be held today.

The voting across all 68 constituencies in the state is set to begin at 8 AM today to decide the fate of 412 candidates. The voting is expected to continue till 5 PM.

Stay tuned for more updates.