Himachal Pradesh News
Mandi MC Elections 2026: Congress, BJP Intensify Campaigns as War of Words Escalates Ahead of Polls
The political atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has turned increasingly charged as campaigning for the Municipal Corporation elections gains momentum. With polling day approaching, both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up their outreach efforts across all wards, turning the civic elections into a high-stakes political showdown.
The political atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi has turned increasingly charged as campaigning for the Municipal Corporation elections gains momentum. With polling day approaching, both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have stepped up their outreach efforts across all wards, turning the civic elections into a high-stakes political showdown.
Senior leaders from both parties held public meetings, roadshows and door-to-door campaigns on Tuesday in an attempt to connect with voters and strengthen support for their candidates.
Leading the Congress campaign, Vikramaditya Singh addressed a public gathering in the Purani Mandi ward, where he launched a strong attack on the previous BJP-led Municipal Corporation. He alleged that the BJP failed to fulfil promises made during its five-year tenure and did not provide adequate civic facilities to residents.
The minister claimed that issues such as poor roads, irregular water supply and sanitation problems continued to trouble people despite repeated assurances of development by the BJP leadership. According to him, the people of Mandi are now seeking a change in governance at the municipal level.
Vikramaditya Singh also appealed to Congress workers to intensify grassroots campaigning and ensure direct voter engagement in every ward of the Municipal Corporation. Sources within the party said he is expected to continue campaigning in Mandi until May 15.
The Congress campaign is likely to receive further momentum as senior party leaders, including Rajni Patil and Vinay Kumar, are expected to campaign in the town in the coming days.
On the other hand, BJP leaders also mounted an aggressive campaign across key wards, including Sanyard, Palace Colony and Suhra. Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur accused the Congress government of slowing down development projects initiated during the BJP regime.
During election meetings, Jai Ram Thakur specifically referred to the Shivdham project, alleging that the Congress government had stalled the religious tourism initiative despite its potential to boost tourism and generate economic opportunities for local residents.
Seeking support for BJP candidates in all 14 wards, the BJP leader promised transparent governance, faster execution of development works and improved civic infrastructure if the party returns to power in the Municipal Corporation.
Political observers believe the Mandi Municipal Corporation elections are becoming a prestige battle for both Congress and BJP, with local governance, infrastructure and development emerging as the key issues influencing voters ahead of the polls.
