BJP Captures Dharampur Panchayat Samiti in Major Political Upset for Congress in Mandi.
Shimla:
In a significant political development in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured control of the Dharampur Panchayat Samiti, dealing a major setback to the Congress in the home constituency of its lone MLA from the district.
In the election for the 20-member Panchayat Samiti, BJP-backed candidates emerged victorious in both the President and Vice-President elections. Manju Devi from the Dhadta area was elected as the new President, while Gaurav from the Sandhol area was elected Vice-President. Their victory has given the BJP complete control of the Panchayat Samiti, triggering celebrations among party workers across the region.
The elections were held after the first scheduled meeting failed to elect office-bearers due to the absence of the required quorum. Following this, the administration announced a fresh election, which was conducted on Saturday.
For the President’s post, BJP-supported candidate Manju Devi defeated Congress-backed candidate Kajal by securing 12 votes against 8. Similarly, in the contest for the Vice-President’s post, BJP-supported candidate Gaurav defeated Congress candidate Hans Raj by the same margin of 12 votes to 8.
Following the declaration of the results, BJP supporters celebrated by distributing sweets, raising party slogans, and taking out a victory procession through the local market under the leadership of BJP leader Rajat Thakur.
Party workers described the victory as a reflection of the people’s faith in the BJP’s policies and development agenda. BJP leaders congratulated the newly elected President and Vice-President, expressing confidence that they would accelerate development works in the Panchayat Samiti while ensuring equal treatment for all panchayats and prioritizing public welfare.
The outcome is being viewed as a significant political blow for the Congress, as political observers believe that the result could influence local political dynamics and shape the political narrative ahead of the next Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.
Speaking after the victory, BJP leader Rajat Thakur congratulated all the elected members and said the party’s success in Dharampur reflects growing public support. He expressed confidence that the BJP would continue its winning momentum and secure victory in Dharampur as well as across Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming Assembly elections.
The BJP’s triumph in the 20-member Dharampur Panchayat Samiti is being regarded as an important political milestone in Mandi district, potentially reshaping the region’s political equations in the months ahead.
