Himachal: Cyclists raise voter awareness with expedition
May 21, 2024
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 22 : Maneesh Garg, the Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh, announced that the cycling expedition to Tashigang, the world's highest polling booth at 15,256 feet, was undertaken by State Election Icon Jaspreet Pal and his co-cyclist Kshitij Niltu to raise voter awareness for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
The expedition concluded at Tashigang late Monday evening.
He said that the duo cycled 630 kilometres in seven days in the tough terrain of Spiti passing by Shimla, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, Jeuri, Bhavanagar, Karcham-Wangtoo, Reckong-Peo, Pooh, Khab, Nako, Sumdo, Kaza, and also cycled to the world's highest motorable village Kaumik (15049 feet) via Langza and Hikkim.
They reached Tashigang on Monday evening crisscrossing through Kibber and riding above 15 thousand feet twice on consecutive days.
The total elevation gained by both cyclists was 12,984 meters during the last leg of the expedition. There are at present 62 voters (Male 37 & Female 25) in Tashigang, the world's highest polling booth.
They were also joined by the local lads in Spiti who cycled with them till Rangrik in Kaza.
Garg congratulated the riders and said that they made great efforts in motivating people, to come out and participate in the festivity of Democracy en route to Tashigang from Shimla, particularly the first-time voters.
Jaspreet Pal and his co-rider Kshitij also distributed 'invitation cards' prepared by the State Election department to thousands of voters at different locations.
The 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh will be held on June 1, during the 7th and last phase of the general elections, to elect 4 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.
Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha seats: Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. The BJP had won all four seats in 2019.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases running from April 19 to June 1. The counting and results will be declared on June 4.
