Chandigarh: Punjab is set to hold critical municipal elections on May 26, serving as a litmus test for the state's major political parties ahead of next year's assembly vote. State election commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri announced on Monday that eight municipal corporations, 76 councils, and 21 nagar panchayats will participate in the civic elections. The model code of conduct is now in effect, freezing new development announcements until the electoral process concludes.
Polling Schedule and Urban Bodies
Polling is scheduled from 8am to 5pm, with the official count to follow on May 29. The 105 urban bodies include major corporations in Abohar, Barnala, Batala, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Moga, Pathankot, and Mohali. Elections for Hoshiarpur and Sham Chaurasi will be held about a month later due to electoral roll and ward reservation issues.
Political Significance
For the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the vote serves as a referendum on its four-year tenure in office. Conversely, the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP — mostly seeking to expand their urban base into rural districts — view the polls as an opportunity to mobilise cadres before the 2027 state elections.
Nomination Timeline
Candidates may contest under party symbols, with the nomination window opening on May 13 and closing on May 16. Scrutiny will be on May 18, with a withdrawal deadline of May 19. All candidates must submit prescribed affidavits and party authorisation letters, with "know your candidate" (KYC) details to be published on district websites.
Key Election Data
- Voters: 36,72,932
- Polling stations: 3,977
- Personnel: 36,000 election staff, 35,500 cops
- Observers: IAS and PCS officers in each district
Spending Caps
- Municipal Corporations: ₹4 lakh
- Class I Councils: ₹3.6 lakh
- Class II Councils: ₹2.3 lakh
- Class III Councils: ₹2 lakh
- Nagar Panchayats: ₹1.4 lakh
