The Congress won 11 of the 15 wards, securing a comfortable majority in the civic body and ensuring control over both key posts. However, speculation has already begun regarding which councillors will be chosen to lead the corporation.
The uncertainty has been heightened by the fact that the state government is yet to issue the official roster clarifying whether the Mayor’s post will be reserved for a particular category or gender. Despite this, several aspirants are believed to have begun lobbying for the coveted positions.
Party insiders said the final decision is likely to be influenced by local MLA Ashish Butail, who is considered a key figure in the Congress organisation in Palampur. Sources indicated that consultations have already commenced to identify candidates capable of providing stable leadership to the civic body over the next five years.
Political observers believe women councillors may have an edge in the race, as more women than men were elected in the recently concluded municipal elections. This has strengthened the possibility of a woman being chosen as Mayor.
Among the names doing the rounds are Radha Sood, who has been elected for a second consecutive term from Ward No. 2 (Khas Palampur) and Neelam Malik, who won from Ward No. 10 (Maranda).
Neelam Malik is being viewed as a strong contender owing to her experience in municipal governance. She served as a councillor in the previous Municipal Corporation for five years and won the latest election by a substantial margin.
Party sources, however, maintain that the leadership could also opt for a new face to head the corporation and no final decision has been taken so far.
With the Congress firmly in control of the civic body and the party appearing united after its electoral success, attention is now focused on the selection of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The Baisakhi Sale Plan offers an excellent value of 2 years of subscription + 6 months complimentary.
If you proceed with this purchase, your current monthly subscription plan will be immediately cancelled.