ECI laments the passing of Shri Shyam Saran Negi, who was "not simply the first voter of Independent India, but a man with uncommon trust in democracy." We will always be appreciative of his service to the country, an EC official said.

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Digital Desk: Shyam Saran Negi, the country's first voter, passed away on Saturday morning at his home in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. He was older than a century.

According to the Election Commission, Negi cast his postal ballot vote for the state Assembly elections on November 3.

The EC lamented Negi's passing and noted that he had a strong belief in democracy.

ECI laments the passing of Shri Shyam Saran Negi, who was "not simply the first voter of Independent India, but a man with uncommon trust in democracy." We will always be appreciative of his service to the country, an EC official said.

The polling organisation posted on Twitter, "He motivated millions to vote, even before his dying, he voted for Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022 using postal ballot on November 2, 2022."

The Negi family also received condolences from the BJP and the Congress.

"The BJP conveys its profound sorrow and condolences on the passing of Shyam Saran Negi, who cast the first ballot in independent India. May God offer the soul of the deceased serenity," the BJP prayed.

A few days earlier, after Negi cast his ballot, the Kinnaur deputy commissioner congratulated him at his home.