As all is set for polling for elections of 51 Urban Local Bodies (ULB), including 4 Municipal Corporations (MCs) of Mandi, Dharamshala , Solan and Palamrpur on Sunday – May 17, all eyes are on the outcome of the elections since the results are important for both Congress – ruling party and the opposition BJP in Himachal Pradesh .
More so, since next Assembly election in Himachal Pradesh is due in 2027 and the ongoing ULBs and PRIs election are litmus tests in the state to assess the popularity of both the parties and thus being considered ‘semi-final’ before next Assembly election.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh and former CM Jai Ram Thakur have campaigned vigorously during the election campaign, besides all local and central leaders.
At present out of four Municipal Corporations, three Solan, Palamapur and Dharamshala are controlled by Congress, Mandi MC is controlled by BJP and Dharamshala MC – despite having BJP majority is being run by Congress Mayor as a few BJP councilors had cross voted to elect Congress Mayor. The election for Municipal Corporations are only held on party symbol in Himachal .
The Congress has been raising the issue of development in Urban areas , discrimination by the Modi government of state by not giving adequate funds for disaster relief, highlighting development schemes and promises fulfilled by the Congress government, including giving OPS to state government employees, during its present tenure and promising over all development in urban areas .
The CM has also announced to grant Rs 50 lakh each for every Municipal Corporation ward for development after the present polls.
On the other hand the opposition BJP has been accusing the Congress government for not fulfilling election promises made during the last Assembly election, alleged corruption in government, lack of development in urban areas and violation of election code of conduct etc.
Both parties have also released their manifestoes promising better civic facilities and development for all Municipal Corporations. Urban Development Minister Vikrmaditaya Singh said projects of several hundred crores are being implemented in the urban areas of the state.
However, both political parties in the state are keenly watching the people’s mood in the election, quite crucial for Vidhan Sabha election battle next year in Himachal Pradesh.
