Dehradun, October 5: A moment which rejuvenates the system of participatory democracy was witnessed in Uttarakhand on Saturday as two voters - aged 103 and 105 - exercised their right to franchise. The women, despite their extremely old ages, did not came out to vote in Lok Sabha or assembly elections, but in panchayat polls -- considered to be the building block of an electoral republic. Uttarakhand: Man-Eater Leopard Shot Dead in Chandak Village.

105-year-old Tara Devi and 103-year-old Kasturi Devi cast their vote at a polling booth in Gram Panchayat Ranadi of Dunda block of Uttarkashi, today. The two elderly villagers were assisted by the Election Commission officials deployed on duty. Despite wheelchairs being available, the two women were seen walking with the aid of officials.

Update by ANI:

Polling for the first phase of panchayat elections were conducted in the state today. Most of the poll-bound areas were located at the Indo-Nepal border. The electoral contest was held on party-lines, with candidates being backed by their respective political groups.

The Uttarakhand BJP on Friday, a day before the polls, expelled as many as 90 office bearers for indulging in "anti-party" activities and for contesting against the official candidates of the party in the Zila Panchayat elections.

The three-phased elections will be held between October 5-16, with results scheduled to be declared on October 21. The polls are taking place nearly six months after the Lok Sabha elections, in which Uttarakhand delivered a decisive mandate to the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2019 08:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).