Campaign Heats Up in Mandi as Top Leaders Step In Ahead of Polls
With just two days left for campaigning in the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for May 17, the political atmosphere has intensified, with top leaders from both Congress and BJP stepping in to rally support for their candidates.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led the campaign for Congress candidates, addressing public rallies in Tarna, Nela and Town Hall. Speaking to voters, he questioned the decision taken during the BJP’s tenure to form the Municipal Corporation, claiming it did not reflect public sentiment. He pointed out that residents of Behna ward, who are now demanding exclusion from the MC, were included in the corporation during the previous BJP government.
Taking a direct dig at former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Sukhu said it was surprising that the BJP leader is now supporting the removal of areas that were added to the Municipal Corporation during his own tenure.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the broader challenges faced by the state, alleging that despite discrimination from the Central Government, Himachal Pradesh is moving forward with strong steps toward self-reliance. He further accused the previous BJP government of focusing development largely on the Seraj constituency, while neglecting other areas, including Mandi town.
Highlighting the Congress government’s work, Sukhu said key promises such as the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) have already been fulfilled. He also pointed to reforms like introducing English-medium education from Class 1 and announced plans to invest around ₹180 crore in development projects for Mandi. In addition, he assured that ₹50 lakh per ward would be allocated after the elections to boost local development.
Joining the campaign trail for Congress were senior leaders including State Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and HP Congress President Vinay Kumar, who addressed voters and urged them to support the party.
On the other side, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur actively campaigned for BJP candidates, holding public meetings across several wards of the Municipal Corporation. Addressing gatherings, he accused the Congress government of ignoring Mandi and showing “step-motherly treatment” toward the region.
Thakur alleged that after the change in government, several development projects in Mandi were deliberately stalled, leading to a slowdown in the city’s progress. He expressed confidence that the politically aware voters of Mandi would respond strongly and hold the Congress accountable in the elections.
In a notable remark, while criticising the government, Jai Ram Thakur also said that despite political differences, the BJP would support the state’s anti-drug (chitta) campaign, highlighting the need for a united approach to protect the youth from substance abuse.
As campaigning enters its final stretch, both parties are making last-minute efforts to connect with voters, turning the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections into a closely watched political contest.
