The municipal corporation elections in Dharamsala witnessed a moderate start on Thursday, with a voter turnout of 12% recorded by 9 AM. Polling began at 8 AM across all wards of the city, and officials reported a steady but slow pace of voting in the initial hours.
Voter Turnout and Polling Process
According to the election commission, the turnout was measured at 12% within the first hour of polling. Voting continued peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported from any booth. The administration has deployed adequate security personnel to ensure a smooth electoral process. Voters were seen queuing up at various polling stations, particularly in residential areas.
Election officials stated that the turnout is expected to increase as the day progresses, especially in the afternoon hours. The total number of eligible voters in Dharamsala is over 1.2 lakh, spread across 25 wards. The municipal corporation elections are being held to elect councilors who will serve a five-year term.
Key Candidates and Contest
The main contest is between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress, with independent candidates also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 25 wards, while Congress has contested in 23 wards. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also put up candidates in a few wards, adding to the triangular contest in some areas.
Campaigning had intensified in the final days, with top leaders from both national parties addressing public meetings and door-to-door canvassing. Issues such as water supply, road infrastructure, and waste management dominated the campaign trail.
Security Arrangements
The district administration has made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order. Around 500 police personnel, including paramilitary forces, have been deployed across the city. Flying squads and surveillance teams are monitoring sensitive booths. The administration has also set up a control room to address any complaints or emergencies during the polling process.
Previous Election Trends
In the previous municipal elections held in 2017, the BJP had won 14 wards, Congress secured 10, and one ward went to an independent. The current election is being seen as a litmus test for the ruling BJP government in the state, which has been facing criticism over various issues. The Congress is hoping to make gains by highlighting local problems.
Voting will continue until 6 PM, after which counting of votes will take place on a later date announced by the election commission. The results will determine the political landscape of the city for the next five years.
