Campaigning for elections to 51 urban local bodies across Himachal Pradesh, including the four Municipal Corporations of Dharamsala, Solan, Mandi and Palampur, ended today ahead of polling scheduled for May 17. While the counting of votes for municipal councils and nagar panchayats will take place on the same day, the results of the four Municipal Corporations will be declared on May 31.
A total of 1,147 candidates are contesting for 449 posts in the 51 urban local bodies. As many as 3,60,859 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise, including 1,80,963 men, 1,79,882 women and 14 others. The electorate also includes 1,808 first-time voters, comprising 961 men and 847 women.
The spotlight remains firmly on the Municipal Corporation elections as these are being contested on party symbols, turning them into a direct political showdown between the Congress and the BJP ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. Both parties mounted aggressive campaigns in an attempt to gain a political edge.
The State Election Commission has allowed voters to use any of 16 identity documents, including Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, voter ID and ration card, to cast their votes.
