As newly elected municipal bodies take shape across Himachal Pradesh, political calculations are in full swing in Manali and Kullu, with power-sharing arrangements and coalition tactics dominating the discourse.
In the Manali Municipal Council, where BJP-backed members enjoy a clear majority in the seven-member house, a pre-decided power sharing formula has been announced. Chandra Bodh will serve as president for the first tenure of two-and-a-half-years, following which Manoj Larje will assume the presidency for the remaining term.
Councillors confirmed that this arrangement was made as per the party’s decision. Notably, Larje previously served as president for approximately one year during the last MC term after successfully ousting former president Chaman Kapoor, who was also from the BJP.
Meanwhile, the selection of president and vice-president for the Kullu Municipal Council has become significantly more challenging. Former HPMC vice-president Ram Singh has created a complex political maze for both the Congress and the BJP.
For two decades, Gopal Krishan Mahant played a crucial role in orchestrating political manoeuvres to crown presidents and vice-presidents in the municipal council. However, Mahant is now outside the council and cannot directly influence selection this time.
With neither the Congress nor the BJP able to stake a clear claim to the positions, with three victorious candidates supported by each, a tense silence has settled over the Kullu Nagar Parishad premises.
Ram Singh is poised to play kingmaker in the 11-ward council. Running as an Independent, Singh disrupted traditional Congress-BJP equations by securing a victory for his wife in Ward No. 1. Having been distanced from the BJP since the last Assembly elections, local BJP-backed councillors are currently keeping their distance from him.
If an agreement is reached between the BJP and Ram Singh, the party could easily secure both top positions. The BJP already has three elected councillors. Adding Ram Singh’s camp, including Wards Nos. 1 and 6, both with BJP backgrounds, and the Independent councillor from Ward No. 8 would give the party a comfortable majority.
However, local BJP leaders appear reluctant to embrace Ram Singh. Sources suggest a potential backroom understanding between BJP and Congress to side-line him. The oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for June 11, may provide clearer signals about the final arrangement. For now, leaders from both parties are engaged in quiet negotiations.
