Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India’s first voter, dies in Himachal Pradesh

Mr. Negi had great faith in democracy, says Election Commission.

Independent India’s first voter Shyam Saran Negi. File | Photo Credit: PTI

Three days after casting his vote for the 34th time, India’s oldest voter Shyam Saran Negi died on November 5, 2022 at his home in Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh. He was 106.

Mr. Negi, who was the Election Commission’s brand ambassador, voted for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly election through postal ballot on November 2. It was the last vote for the man who was 31 when India gained Independence.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, who visited Mr. Negi’s residence, termed him “Himachal’s pride”. He saluted Mr. Negi’s “indomitable spirit and faith in democracy”.

“Mr. Negi exercised his franchise continuously over more than 70 years and even discharged his duty through postal ballot on November 2 while leaving us,” Mr. Kumar said.

Shyam Saran Negi, a retired schoolteacher arrives to cast his vote during an election, at Kalpa in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. File photo | Photo Credit: PTI

“His commitment to his duty in this regard should set an example for the youth. A fitting tribute to him would be his for the country to exercise their franchise wholeheartedly and strengthen the foundations of the country’s democracy,” he added.

Mr. Kumar appealed to voters in Himachal Pradesh to cast their vote in the upcoming election on November 12 as a tribute to Mr. Negi.

Police personnel pay respects to Shyam Saran Negi, Independent India’s first voter, during his funeral at Kalpa in Kinnaur district on November 5, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge were among those who paid tribute to Mr. Negi.

Speaking at a rally in Mandi district, Mr. Modi said Mr. Negi’s outlook towards democracy would inspire the youth. “Just a few days ago, Negi had cast his vote through postal ballot for the Himachal Pradesh poll. Even before his demise, he discharged his duty.”

Mr. Kharge said he was pained to hear the news. “The best example of his unwavering devotion towards democracy is that he cast his vote for the 34th time on November 2. My condolences to the departed soul,” Mr. Kharge said.

Condoling the death, Mr. Thakur said on Twitter, “I am pained to learn about the passing away of Shyam Saran Negi. Adhering to his duty, he cast his vote for the 34th time on November 2 though postal ballot. This thought will always make me emotional.”

During his conversation with Mr. Negi’s family members, his son recalled a gratitude letter sent to his late father by Kumar. He said that after reading the letter he had “felt jovial” and leading him to say that he would encourage youngsters in the family to cast their vote for active participation in “the festival of democracy.”

On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons on October 1, the CEC had written a gratitude letter to all centenarian voters across the country.The Election Commission of India (ECI), in a statement, said it deeply mourned Mr. Negi’s demise and was grateful for his service towards the nation.

(With PTI inputs)