Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, May 18
The victory of Congress-backed candidates in several Urban Local Body (ULB) elections across Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Kangra district, is being seen as an indication that the ruling party’s political strategy has worked effectively despite internal dissent and the impact of defections.
Initial trends and results from the civic polls held on Sunday for 46 ULBs suggest a strong performance by Congress-supported candidates in many areas. In Kangra district, Congress-affiliated candidates registered a near sweep in several municipal bodies, strengthening the party’s position in the politically crucial district.
Results for the two Municipal Corporations in Kangra district are scheduled to be declared on May 31 and current political trends appear to favour the ruling party.
Political observers believe the outcome reflects the success of the organisational and electoral strategy adopted by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the state Congress leadership in the largest district of Himachal Pradesh. Despite anti-incumbency concerns after three years in power, the Congress managed to retain its support base in urban pockets of Kangra district.
The party leadership also focused on reshaping district-level equations by promoting new faces and reducing the influence of some traditional heavyweights. Congress leaders believe this strategy helped consolidate support among local workers and independent candidates in several civic bodies.
Internal divisions and factionalism within the BJP are also being seen as factors that weakened the opposition’s performance in a number of urban local bodies.
The elections were conducted peacefully by the State Election Commission Himachal Pradesh, with moderate polling reported in most areas. Political analysts say the voting pattern indicates that the Congress government still retains political relevance despite economic pressures and aggressive opposition attacks.
Congress affiliates Candidate also performed well in Mandi in the home turf of BJP former CM and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.
In Shimla district, Congress-backed candidates also secured an advantage after all councillors of Narkanda Nagar Panchayat were elected unopposed. However, the ruling party’s performance remained comparatively weak in Una, district, considered the home turf of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
In Arki Nagar Parishad BJP dominated the poll by three to two.
About the Author
