The stage is set for a high-voltage battle in the elections to the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation tomorrow. The BJP and the Congress are locked in a direct fight in most of the 17 wards and rebels and Independent candidates are expected to play spoilsport in several key wards. The district administration on Saturday said that all preparations for the elections had been completed and elaborate arrangements had been put in place to ensure peaceful and fair voting. SDM, Dharamsala, Mohit Rattan, who is also Assistant Returning Officer, said that 34 polling stations had been established in the civic body area. Of these, 12 polling stations had been categorised as sensitive and five as hypersensitive in view of security and law and order. “Special security arrangements and enhanced monitoring have been ensured at sensitive polling stations for the smooth conduct of elections,” he added.
The elections are being seen as politically significant for both Congress and BJP, with the outcome expected to serve as an indicator of the public mood ahead of future electoral battles in Kangra district. While the BJP has mounted an aggressive campaign targeting alleged civic mismanagement and corruption, the Congress has focused its campaign on promises related to urban infrastructure, tourism development and basic amenities.
Though the contest remains largely bipolar, rebels and Independent candidates have made the elections in several wards highly competitive. In some areas, local equations and factionalism in both parties are expected to influence the final outcome, making the electoral battle tougher than in the previous municipal elections.
The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation has a total electorate of 36,800 voters, including 18,258 women. Polling will be conducted from 7 am to 3 pm while the counting of votes will take place on May 31. Rattan appealed to voters to take part in the democratic process enthusiastically and exercise their right to franchise responsibly. “Every vote plays an important role in strengthening democracy and shaping the future development of the city,” he said.
He added that strict compliance with the model code of conduct and the Election Commission’s guidelines would be ensured throughout the polling process. Security personnel and the election staff had also been directed to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incident.
