The candidates announced include Rekha from Ward No. 2 (Purani Mandi – reserved for women), Neelam Sharma from Ward No. 3 (Paddal – women), Rajni Chandra from Ward No. 5 (Mangwain – women), and Neem Dashi from Ward No. 8 (Palace Colony-1 – women). Sushma Kumari has been fielded from Ward No. 10 (Suhra – SC woman), Gaurav Sharma from Ward No. 11 (Samkhetar – unreserved), Geetanjali Sharma from Ward No. 13 (Thanehra – women), and Dhan Dev from Ward No. 14 (Behna – SC).
According to party sources, the selection process was carried out by the Pradesh Election Committee after multiple rounds of consultations with local leaders and grassroots workers. The focus has been on identifying candidates with strong local connect, organisational backing and electoral viability.
The delay in announcing candidates for the remaining wards is attributed to intense competition among aspirants and the party’s attempt to build consensus. Senior leaders indicated that the high command is cautious about avoiding internal dissent and is carefully weighing options before finalising names.
“The emphasis is on unity and ensuring that every candidate has the best chance of winning,” a party leader said.
The Congress is expected to release its complete list by Friday evening. Meanwhile, campaigning has already gained momentum in wards where candidates have been declared, with a focus on civic concerns such as water supply, sanitation, waste management and urban infrastructure.
The Mandi MC elections are being closely tracked, as they are seen as a barometer of the state’s political climate ahead of future Vidhan Sabha elections.
Shimla: A total of 535 candidates filed nomination papers for elections to 51 urban local bodies on the second day of the process. Kangra district recorded the highest number of nominations at 98, while Hamirpur reported the lowest at 27. The filing of nomination papers will continue until May 2.
Scrutiny will be carried out by the respective Returning and Assistant Returning Officers on May 4. Candidates will be allotted election symbols after the withdrawal deadline on May 6. Polling is scheduled for May 17. Meanwhile, the Congress on Thursday released its second list of candidates for elections to four MCs across the state.
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