HAMIRPUR: Union Minister Anurag Thakur, the BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, expressed his enthusiasm and encouragement for voters amid the Lok Sabha elections, urging them to come out in large numbers despite the extreme heat.

"Not even extreme heat could stop voters from casting their votes. This kind of enthusiasm should be there among all voters because the opportunity to elect the 18th Lok Sabha has arrived in the world's largest democracy," Thakur said.

Thakur especially emphasized the role of youth in shaping the future of the nation, encouraging them to participate actively in the voting process.

"I especially urge the youth to come out in large numbers to vote, and every voter should exercise their right to vote. This opportunity comes every five years, so let's come out in large numbers to vote and help take our nation forward," Thakur said.

In a post on X Thakur said, "On this great festival of democracy, today is the second phase of Lok Sabha elections. It is my humble request to the respected voters to exercise their right to vote. Go and vote, inspire others too, and ensure your participation in building a strong and capable India."

Earlier on Thursday, launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Anurag Thakur had said that a party that was in power for 60 years and imposed an emergency, at least this country does not need to hear 'gyan' from Congress.

"A party that was in power for 60 years and imposed emergency, at least this country does not need to hear 'gyan' from Congress party. What is the murder of democracy was done by Indira Gandhi? The country suffered its consequences. One party ruled the country. Hardly anyone has reaped the benefits that this one family has enjoyed after independence," he had said.

Himachal Pradesh has four Lok Sabha seats: Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra. The BJP had won all four seats in 2019.

The elections to the four Lok Sabha seats of Himachal Pradesh and by-polls to the six assembly constituencies that fell vacant with the disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs will be held on June 1.

Voting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began at 7 am on Friday across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies spread over 12 States and Union Territories.