Voting has started for 1,293 gram panchayats in the initial phase of the Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh under strict security measures. The subsequent two phases, encompassing a total of 3,745 gram panchayats, are scheduled for May 28 and 30. The opposition BJP has raised concerns about potential misuse of government resources by the ruling Congress during the election process.
Polling will be conducted using ballot papers until 3 p.m., with each voter casting five distinct votes to select a ward member, vice-pradhan, pradhan, panchayat samiti member, and zila parishad member. Results for panch, pradhan, and up-pradhan positions will be announced immediately after each phase’s polling, while the counting for panchayat samiti and zila parishad seats will occur on May 31. Earlier, a voter turnout of 69.16% was recorded in the elections for 51 urban local bodies, including four Municipal Corporations, held on May 17.
In the recent urban local body elections, Hamirpur district saw the highest voter turnout at approximately 78%, whereas Solan district had the lowest at 64%. Naina Devi had the highest turnout among urban local bodies at 86%. The polling for the four Municipal Corporations — Dharamsala, Palampur, Mandi, and Solan — concluded on May 17, with results set to be announced on May 31.
A BJP delegation, led by state President Rajeev Bindal, met Governor Kavinder Gupta to express concerns about alleged government interference in the Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections. The delegation, including Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, highlighted what they perceived as repeated efforts by the government to influence democratic processes and public opinion through administrative and political means.
