The Punjab government is set to announce elections for nine Municipal Corporations and 104 municipal councils across the state later in the day, paving the way for a major political contest ahead of the local body polls.
The model code of conduct would come into place immediately.
These elections are being held as a precursor to the Vidhan Sabha elections, due in a few months from now. In an electorally charged atmosphere in the state, where ruling AAP is politically on the back foot, with a resurgent BJP and SAD, and a Congress that is still weighing its options, these elections are expected to set the political order for the assembly polls.
All political parties would contest the polls on their own election symbol.
Official sources in the State Election Commission have told The Tribune that the revision of electoral rolls have already been complete. The final voter lists were published on May 5.
It may be mentioned that the elections to the municipal corporations of Bathinda, Moga, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Batala, Mohali, Abohar, Barnala and Kapurthala. Earlier, the state government had dissolved these urban local bodies and appointed administrators to oversee civic functioning till the time the elections are declared.
The elections are likely to witness intense campaigning by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, the Bharatiya BJP and the SAD. The civic polls are being seen as a crucial political test for all major parties in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
