Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma) |
With elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and the Municipal Corporations of Dharamshala and Palampur approaching in Kangra district, political activity has intensified across the region.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday held a key strategy meeting of senior leaders in Kangra to finalise its electoral roadmap. The meeting focused on strengthening the party’s organisational structure, expanding booth-level outreach, and sharpening its campaign around local issues.
Leaders resolved to contest all seats—from Panchayats to Municipal Corporations—with full strength. Emphasis was laid on intensifying grassroots engagement and broadening public outreach. Sources indicated that targeted programmes for youth, women, and first-time voters will be rolled out as part of the campaign.
The party also plans to foreground issues such as development works, employment, basic amenities, and local grievances. Leaders called for unity among workers and urged them to effectively communicate the party’s agenda and government policies to voters.
The meeting was held at the office of BJP MLA Pawan Kajal in Matour and was attended by several senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, MP Anurag Thakur, Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj, Vikram Thakur, Ravinder Ravi, Arun Kukka, and district BJP president Sachin Sharma.
Meanwhile, the ruling Indian National Congress has also stepped up its preparations for the upcoming polls, setting the stage for a competitive contest in the district.
Political observers note that Kangra district, which holds the largest number of Assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh, often plays a decisive role in shaping the state’s political direction.
According to the Himachal Pradesh State Election Commission, elections to 51 Urban Local Bodies will be held on May 17, with the Model Code of Conduct already in force in urban areas.
Polling for Gram Panchayats will be conducted in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30, with counting taking place at polling booths immediately after voting. Results for Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads will be declared on May 31.
The notification for Panchayat elections was issued on April 29. Nominations will be filed on May 7, 8, and 11, scrutiny will take place on May 12, and withdrawals can be made on May 14 and 15. Symbols will be allotted on May 15, and the final list of polling stations will be published on May 7.
Polling will be held in 3,754 of the state’s 3,758 panchayats. Of the total Gram Panchayat Pradhan posts, 1,900 have been reserved for women.
The electorate comprises 50,79,048 voters, including 25,67,770 men and 25,11,249 women, with 52,349 first-time voters set to participate in the electoral process.
