Shimla, Apr 28,
After prolonged delay of around five months, the State Election Commission today sounded the poll bugle for Gram Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, beginning later this month. The State Election Commissioner Anil Khachi on Monday announced the detailed schedule, formally setting the electoral process in motion.
The notification for the elections would be issued on April 29, followed by filing of nominations on May 5, 8 and 11, scrutiny on May 12 and withdrawal on May 14 and 15, while symbols will be allotted on May 15. Polling will be conducted in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30, with counting for Panchayat Pradhan, Up-Pradhan and ward members on the same day of polling, and for Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad members on May 31.
The elections, covering over 3,700 Gram Panchayats, 68 Block Development Committees and 12 Zila Parishads, will see participation of nearly 51 lakh voters, making it the largest democratic exercise in the state after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
The State Election Commission has already finalised electoral rolls and geared up the administrative machinery, with around 56,000 employees to be deployed for polling and counting duties, besides seeking deployment of about 15,000 police personnel to ensure security, particularly in sensitive and hypersensitive areas.
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Though officially non-party, the Panchayat polls carry clear political undertones and are widely viewed as a mid-term test of the Congress government, which has completed over three years in office.
Political activity has intensified across rural Himachal, even as the Congress has decided not to field official candidates, opting instead to assess its support base after the results.
The announcement of the schedule also comes after earlier uncertainty over the timing of elections, with the Commission now proceeding firmly within the mandated timeframe, underscoring its commitment to conduct free and fair polls across the state.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
