Key Facts
In a significant political development, BJP-backed candidates have taken charge of the Sarkaghat Municipal Council in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The election for the posts of Chairperson (President) and Vice Chairperson (Vice President) was held on Friday, June 19, 2026. Pushpa Devi, a 33-year-old first-time councillor from Ward-3 Jamsai, was elected Chairperson, while Advocate Lal Singh, also a first-time councillor from Ward-7 Behad-Dabrog, became Vice Chairperson.
Details of the Election
The election meeting was presided over by SDM and Presiding Officer Rajendra Kumar Gautam. All seven councillors of the municipal council were present. For the Chairperson post, candidates were Pushpa Devi (Ward-3) and Lalita (Ward-4 Kalash). For Vice Chairperson, candidates were Lal Singh (Ward-7) and Ashwini Kumar (Ward-2 Ramnagar). A total of 9 votes were cast, including those by two MLAs: Sarkaghat MLA Dilip Thakur and Dharmpur MLA Chandrashekhar, who are eligible to vote as per Supreme Court directives for urban local body elections.
Vote Count and Result
BJP-backed candidates secured 5 votes, while Congress-backed candidates received 4 votes. After the counting, Presiding Officer Rajendra Kumar Gautam declared Pushpa Devi as Chairperson and Lal Singh as Vice Chairperson. Both winners are first-time councillors and have reached the top positions in their first term.
Impact and Reactions
Following the victory, BJP workers celebrated by taking out a victory procession in the market. The election outcome strengthens the BJP's hold in the Sarkaghat Municipal Council, which is part of the Mandi district. The new leadership is expected to focus on local development and civic issues.
What Readers Should Know
- The election was held on June 19, 2026, and results were announced the same day.
- Both Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are first-time councillors.
- The voting included participation of local MLAs as per Supreme Court guidelines.
- The council has 7 councillors, but 9 votes were cast due to MLA participation.
FAQ
Who was elected Chairperson of Sarkaghat Municipal Council?
Pushpa Devi, a first-time councillor from Ward-3 Jamsai, was elected Chairperson with BJP backing.
Who became Vice Chairperson?
Lal Singh, a first-time councillor from Ward-7 Behad-Dabrog, was elected Vice Chairperson.
How many votes did each side get?
BJP-backed candidates received 5 votes, while Congress-backed candidates got 4 votes out of 9 total.
Which MLAs participated in the voting?
Sarkaghat MLA Dilip Thakur and Dharmpur MLA Chandrashekhar cast their votes as per Supreme Court directives.
Source: www.amarujala.com