A major lapse by polling officials disrupted the Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Tuesday after the name of a candidate contesting for the Block Development Committee (BDC) seat was found missing from ballot papers in the Thach-Thermi, Pralog and Mendi BDC ward of Karsog subdivision in Mandi district.
The error came to light shortly after polling began at 7 am. Voters and polling staff noticed that the name of BDC candidate Hoshiyar Singh had not been written on the ballot paper. According to reports, the space where his name was supposed to appear had the NOTA option printed behind it and the chair election symbol ahead of it, triggering confusion among voters.
As the issue surfaced, polling authorities immediately suspended voting for the BDC post in the affected polling stations. However, polling for the remaining five Panchayati Raj posts resumed after officials intervened.
Following the incident, SDM Karsog Gaurav Mahajan rushed to the spot and submitted a report to Mandi Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Apoorv Devgan. The matter was subsequently reported to the State Election Commission, which decided to postpone the BDC election in the concerned ward.
Confirming the development, Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan said that polling for the BDC post in the Thach-Thermi, Pralog and Mendi ward had been deferred and a fresh date for the election would be announced later as per the directions of the State Election Commission.
“No candidate should be deprived of contesting the election. An inquiry will be initiated to determine how this lapse occurred, and strict action will be taken against the officials and employees found responsible,” Devgan said.
The BDC ward comprises three panchayats — Thach-Thermi, Pralog and Mendi. Voting was being conducted in Thach-Thermi and Pralog on Tuesday, while polling in Mendi panchayat is scheduled for May 28.
Election authorities have assured voters that the postponed BDC election will be conducted separately on a new date to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
