Newly elected councillors of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (MC) took the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony held in Dharamsala on Monday. The event marks the formal beginning of their five-year term, following the recently concluded municipal elections.
Oath-taking ceremony details
The oath was administered by the presiding officer in the presence of senior municipal officials and family members of the councillors. Each councillor recited the pledge to uphold the Constitution and perform duties with honesty and integrity. A total of 20 councillors took the oath, representing various wards of the city.
According to a municipal spokesperson, the ceremony was conducted smoothly and adhered to all COVID-19 protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing.
New council's priorities
Speaking after the ceremony, several councillors highlighted their immediate priorities, including improving water supply, waste management, and road infrastructure. Councillor Rajesh Sharma, representing Ward 5, said, "We will work collectively to address the basic needs of residents and ensure transparent governance."
The newly elected council is expected to elect a mayor and deputy mayor in the coming weeks. The previous council's term ended earlier this month.
Background of the elections
The Dharamsala MC elections were held in May 2026, with a voter turnout of approximately 65%. The results were declared on June 15, with the Bharatiya Janata Party winning 12 seats, the Indian National Congress securing 6 seats, and independents winning 2 seats.
The oath-taking ceremony was originally scheduled for June 25 but was postponed due to administrative reasons.
