Campaigning for the Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections in Fatehgarh Sahib district wrapped up this evening, capping off a day of hectic, last-minute efforts by political parties to woo voters ahead of the May 26 polls.
The district administration and police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure peaceful, free and fair voting across 80 wards spanning three Municipal Councils and one Nagar Panchayat.
The final day of campaigning saw intense political activity in Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib, Mandi Gobindgarh, Bassi Pathana and Khamano. Braving a scorching heatwave, candidates and supporters from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal organised roadshows, corner meetings and door-to-door campaigns from dawn until the evening deadline.
With public campaigning now closed, candidates are shifting their focus to quiet, personal door-to-door canvassing permitted in the run-up to the election day. Supporters spent the final hours marching through wards with party flags, pitching promises of improved civic amenities, local development and better municipal services.
Political observers note that contests in several wards are tight, with voters keeping their cards close to their chests. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised concerns over the potential misuse of official machinery and alleged booth-capturing attempts by the ruling party, warning of joint resistance if any disruptions occur.
Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Dr Sona Thind said 1,24,733 voters were eligible to exercise their franchise. The electorate includes 64,717 men, 60,010 women and six third-gender voters. A total of 137 polling booths had been set up across the district, she said.
The Mandi Gobindgarh Municipal Council has 52,565 voters in 29 wards with 58 booths. The Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib Municipal Council has 48,468 voters in 23 wards with 47 booths. The Bassi Pathana Municipal Council has 16,046 voters in 15 wards with 19 booths. The Khamano Nagar Panchayat has 7,654 voters in 13 wards with 13 booths.
Dr Thind added that voting via ballot papers would take place from 8 am to 5 pm on May 26, with vote counting and results were scheduled for May 29. To maintain law and order, the district police conducted flag marches across Sirhind, Mandi Gobindgarh, Bassi Pathana and Khamano. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shubham Aggarwal reviewed the security arrangements and directed personnel to remain highly vigilant throughout the voting process.
