The first person to cast his vote today was reported from Manikpur polling station in Chitrakoot.

Uma Shankar, the first person to cast his vote on Monday morning at the Manikpur polling station in Chitrakoot, was given a certificate of appreciation by the Election Commission officials.

Shankar said that he was pleasantly surprised to receive the commendation from the poll panel.

He said that though the campaign was mainly focused around the removal of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, he had decided to cast his vote on issues concerning rural development and water woes in the region.

Elections are being held in 19 states today. Haryana and Maharashtra will vote for the next state government.