The political landscape of Mohali is set for a significant reshuffle as the Municipal Corporation (MC) has officially issued the final notification for ward delimitation, effectively freezing ward boundaries from Wednesday, January 1, 2026. This move is expected to trigger a sharp intensification of political campaigning in the city as parties and aspirants recalibrate their strategies for the upcoming civic polls.
Key Changes in Ward Numbers and Reservations
The most notable alteration in the final notification is the interchange of Ward Numbers 32 and 39. Ward No. 39 has been renumbered as Ward No. 32, while Ward No. 32 has now become Ward No. 39. This swap has also led to a change in the reservation category for these constituencies.
Previously, Ward No. 39 was reserved for women candidates. Following the delimitation, it has been re-designated as Ward No. 32 and declared a General (open) ward. Conversely, the old Ward No. 32, which was a General ward, has been renumbered as Ward No. 39 and is now reserved for women. Geographically, the new Ward No. 32 includes Sector 70 and parts of Sohana, whereas Ward No. 39 primarily comprises Sohana village.
Apart from this major change, the MC has incorporated minor adjustments in several other wards, including the shifting of certain streets from one ward to another. However, barring these tweaks, the final notification remains largely consistent with the draft that was published earlier.
Political Groundwork Upended, Allegations Fly
The finalization of boundaries has immediate repercussions for political aspirants. Many hopefuls who had begun groundwork in their presumed wards over the past six months now face the prospect of starting afresh due to the large-scale changes and expansion of ward limits.
The delimitation has also sparked political controversy. The Congress party has leveled accusations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that the ward boundaries were "deliberately" redrawn to target wards represented by sitting Congress councillors. Despite these charges, Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu of the Congress exudes confidence. He has stated that Congress councillors will secure victories in large numbers and that the party will once again capture the mayoral post.
Countering this optimism, leaders from MLA Kulwant Singh's group have claimed that given the Congress's track record in running the civic body, the public may not even allow Congress candidates to enter the wards, let alone vote for them.
Election Timeline Speculation Intensifies
With the delimitation process now complete, discussions are rife that the Punjab Local Government Department may announce the dates for municipal elections shortly. There is strong speculation that the polls could be conducted by the end of February 2026. This timeline is considered likely due to practical constraints: school examinations commence in March, requiring the deployment of a large number of teachers on election duty.
Furthermore, the broader political calendar adds pressure for an early election. The Punjab Assembly elections are scheduled for February 2027, making it expedient for the state government to hold the municipal polls well in advance to avoid a clash or overload of political activities.
It is important to note that the term of the Mohali MC, along with several other councils in Punjab, is technically still pending. In Mohali specifically, councillors were sworn in during April of the previous cycle, and unless the corporation is dissolved earlier, they are entitled to remain in office until April of the election year.
The issuance of the final ward delimitation notification has thus set the stage for a fiercely contested election year in Mohali, with all political players now maneuvering on a newly defined electoral map.
