The Congress suffered a major political setback in the election to the Block Development Samiti (BDS) in Palampur on Saturday, with BJP-backed candidates securing both the chairman and vice-chairman posts.
BJP-supported candidate Usha was elected chairperson, while Bindu won the vice-chairperson’s post after the voting process concluded. The victory came despite the Congress claiming to have a numerical advantage in the BDS.
According to sources, the Congress defeat was attributed to cross-voting by two members backed by the party. Additionally, one Congress-supported member reportedly abstained from the election process, further weakening the party’s position and paving the way for the BJP’s victory.
The outcome is being viewed as a significant morale booster for the BJP in Palampur while exposing apparent internal divisions within the Congress. The unexpected result has sparked political discussion, with the Congress leadership expected to review the reasons behind the reported cross-voting and the absence of one of its supported members during the crucial election.
The election was conducted peacefully under the supervision of SDM OP Yadav, who also served as the Returning Officer. The results were declared immediately after the counting of votes.
The BJP leadership hailed the victory as a reflection of growing public confidence in the party’s grassroots leadership and organisational strength. The result is expected to have political ramifications in the region, with both the BJP and the Congress likely to intensify efforts to strengthen their organisational base ahead of future local body and panchayat elections.
