BJP Claims Victory in Himachal Pradesh Local Polls as Congress Defends Stand

In the latest political flare-up in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP has rejoiced over its triumph in three of the four municipal corporation elections, viewing it as a sign of public discontent with the ruling Congress government. Results declared this past Sunday saw the BJP victorious in Dharamshala, Mandi, and Solan, while the Congress managed to hold onto Palampur.

Detailed results reveal the BJP's commanding performance, securing 12 out of 14 wards in Mandi and dominating Dharamshala with 11 out of 17 wards. However, the Congress made significant gains in Palampur. The electoral outcome comes as a vital precursor to the 2027 state assembly elections, with BJP leader Jairam Thakur accusing the Congress of delaying elections through the Disaster Act to avoid electoral defeat.

Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu, meanwhile, has dismissed the BJP's narrative, asserting that the Congress remains the dominant force, having won 29 of the 53 contests across various urban local bodies. As the two parties spar over the significance of these results, political analysts foresee heated contests in the looming assembly elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)