Enthusiastic Start to Mandi Zila Parishad Elections as Candidates File Nominations Across District.
Shimla:
The nomination process for the 2026 Panchayati Raj elections witnessed an energetic beginning across Mandi district on Thursday, with candidates filing nomination papers for various Zila Parishad wards in large numbers. Political activity intensified across subdivisions as aspiring candidates, supporters, and local residents gathered at SDM offices to participate in the democratic process.
According to official information received from different subdivisions, a significant number of nominations were filed on the very first day for Zila Parishad member elections, reflecting growing public interest in grassroots governance and rural leadership.
In Jogindernagar, six nominations were filed for three Zila Parishad wards. From Nergharwasra Ward, Daksha Devi, Bindu Bala, and Anita submitted nominations, while Amar Singh filed from Bhadyara Ward. Rakhi Devi and Rajni Devi entered the contest from Langna Ward. SDM and Assistant Returning Officer Manish Chaudhary confirmed that candidates can continue filing nominations on May 8 and 11.
In Sarkaghat subdivision, seven candidates filed nominations from four Zila Parishad wards. Ward 27-Kot saw nominations from Lata Devi Thakur and Sushmita Sharma, while Rinku and Raj Kumari contested from Ward 28-Bhambla. Anjani Devi filed from Ward 29-Thauna, whereas Shyam Lal and Sarsa Devi entered the race from Ward 33-Nawahi.
Karsog subdivision recorded one of the highest numbers of nominations, with ten candidates filing papers across multiple wards. Candidates included Shakuntala Devi from Churag Ward, Nirmala Chauhan and Chamelu Devi from Lower Karsog, and several contestants from Sarahan and Savindhar wards.
In Padhar subdivision, five nominations were filed from Bathairi, Kufri, and Dalah wards. Notably, senior journalist and social worker Subhash Chand Thakur filed his nomination from Bathairi Ward alongside Sharda Devi. Santosh Thakur and Chinta Devi contested from Kufri, while Sapna Devi filed from Dalah Ward.
Meanwhile, Balh subdivision registered seven nominations from Gohar Gagal, Behal, and Lower Rewalsar wards. Thunag recorded four nominations, Gohar two, Balichowki one, and Mandi Sadar three nominations from different wards.
In Sundernagar, three nominations were filed for Zila Parishad seats, including Roshan Lal and Karam Chand from Dehar constituency and Narayan Singh from Khilra constituency.
Similarly, Dharampur subdivision witnessed six nominations, with candidates filing from Sari, Sohar, and Tihra wards.
Election officials across the district stated that nominations can still be filed on May 8 and May 11 between 11 am and 3 pm. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 12, while candidates may withdraw nominations on May 14 and 15. Election symbols will be allotted after the withdrawal process.
Authorities have assured that the elections will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful manner under the Model Code of Conduct. Polling, if required, will be held in three phases later this month, followed by counting of votes at designated block headquarters.
