The elections to the Municipal Councils of Nawanshahr, Rahon and Banga are scheduled to be held on May 26 under the supervision of the State Election Commission, Punjab.
According to Additional District Election Officer-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioner Avneet Kaur, polling will be conducted for 19 wards in Municipal Council, Nawanshahr, 13 wards in Municipal Council, Rahon, and 15 wards in Municipal Council, Banga, taking the total number of wards to 47 across the district.
Among the prominent candidates who filed their nomination papers was former Shiromani Akali Dal councillor Param Singh Khalsa, contesting from Ward No. 3 in Nawanshahr. Interacting with mediapersons, Khalsa raised several civic issues affecting residents of the town. He alleged that the sewerage system in several localities had collapsed, contaminated drinking water was being supplied in some areas and sanitation arrangements had deteriorated.
“The sewer system has failed in many parts of the ward. Residents are receiving dirty water and sanitation workers are not reaching several localities, including Mohalla Kalam and Barnala areas,” Khalsa alleged, promising to address these concerns, if elected.
Interestingly, Khalsa will face his long-time friend Raj Kumar, who is contesting from the same ward as a Congress candidate. Despite being political rivals in the election, both leaders said their personal relationship would remain unaffected.
“Even if we have to campaign in the same locality together, we will continue to respect each other. We will ask for votes for our parties, and it is up to the people to decide whom they want to support,” said Khalsa, while Raj Kumar echoed similar sentiments.
Meanwhile, veteran leader Chetram, who recently joined the BJP after spending decades with the Congress, announced that he would file his nomination papers from Ward No. 15 on May 15. Chetram said he was committed to ensuring the welfare and development of residents and would focus on improving civic amenities in the ward.
Apart from candidates representing major political parties, several independent candidates have also entered the electoral fray, indicating a competitive contest in many wards. Political activities in the district have intensified as candidates have begun outreach campaigns ahead of the polling date.
The municipal elections are expected to witness keen contests across Nawanshahr, Rahon and Banga, with local civic issues likely to dominate the campaign narrative.
