Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 27 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has appealed to the people of the state to actively participate in the second phase of voting to be held on Monday under the three-tier Panchayat elections.

He stated that panchayats are the foundation of rural development, and the participation of every voter in these elections is crucial.

The Chief Minister said that development schemes are run in rural areas through the three-tier Panchayat system.

He has appealed to all voters, especially young people, women, and senior citizens, to strengthen democracy by turning out in large numbers at the polling stations.

Voting for the three-tier Panchayat elections in the state is taking place in two phases. The first phase of voting took place on July 24, and the second phase will occur on July 28. The counting of the votes will take place on July 31.

As per the notification by the State Election Commission in Uttarakhand, panchayat elections are being conducted in 12 districts of the state, except for Haridwar.

On July 24, CM Dhami, along with his mother Bishna Devi, cast his vote for the three-tier Panchayat elections at booth number three of a school in Nagla Tarai's village in Khatima.

The CM then also appealed to the people to vote in large numbers and exercise their right to vote.

In a post on social media X, the CM appealed to the voters to choose capable, aware and dedicated representatives who would strongly raise their voices and strengthen the foundation of rural development. 'Empowered Panchayats, Empowered Uttarakhand. Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights. With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,' the post read. (ANI)