Mandi district witnessed enthusiastic voter participation as polling for the Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats began at 7 am on Sunday. Long queues and heavy rush were observed outside polling booths across several urban local bodies, reflecting strong public interest in the elections.
The elections to the Mandi Municipal Corporation have gained major political significance as candidates are contesting on party symbols, turning the polls into a direct battle between the BJP and Congress. In contrast, elections to Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats are being held on a non-party basis.
According to polling data recorded till 9 am, the Mandi Municipal Corporation registered a voter turnout of 15.42 per cent. Jogindernagar Municipal Council recorded 17.10 per cent polling, while Nerchowk Municipal Council witnessed 18.66 per cent voter turnout. Sarkaghat Municipal Council recorded 18.88 per cent, the highest among the municipal councils till 9 am, whereas Sundernagar Municipal Council registered 15.40 per cent.
Among Nagar Panchayats, Karsog recorded an impressive 22.81 per cent turnout till 9 am, while Rewalsar registered 17.12 per cent polling.
Election authorities have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across all polling stations. Security personnel were deployed at sensitive booths, and voters were seen arriving early in large numbers to cast their franchise.
Polling will continue till 3 pm, after which counting will be taken up as per the schedule announced by the election authorities.
