Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh: BJP Retains Stronghold in Mandi Municipal Corporation, Suman Thakur Elected Mayor
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again consolidated its position in the Mandi Municipal Corporation (MC) after senior party leader Suman Thakur was unanimously elected Mayor on Monday. BJP councillor Jitender Sharma, popularly known as “Jony,” was elected as the Deputy Mayor, marking the party’s second consecutive term in control of the civic body.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has once again consolidated its position in the Mandi Municipal Corporation (MC) after senior party leader Suman Thakur was unanimously elected Mayor on Monday. BJP councillor Jitender Sharma, popularly known as “Jony,” was elected as the Deputy Mayor, marking the party’s second consecutive term in control of the civic body.
The election results reaffirm the BJP’s growing influence in urban local governance in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the politically significant Mandi district.
Oath Ceremony Followed by Uncontested Election
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor elections were conducted shortly after the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected councillors. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan administered the oath to all 14 elected councillors in the presence of BJP legislators Anil Sharma (Mandi Sadar), Inder Singh Gandhi (Balh), Puran Chand Thakur (Darang), and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rohit Rathour.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the election process was completed within ten minutes. With the BJP holding an overwhelming majority in the Municipal Corporation, both key positions were secured without any opposition or contest.
BJP Dominates Municipal Corporation Polls
The BJP registered a decisive victory in the recently concluded Municipal Corporation elections by winning 12 out of 14 wards. The Congress managed to secure only one seat, while another ward was won by a Congress rebel candidate.
Polling in the Behna ward could not take place after residents reportedly boycotted the election process.
Suman Thakur’s Political Journey Reaches New Milestone
Suman Thakur’s appointment as Mayor marks a significant chapter in her political career. Recognised as one of the BJP’s prominent women leaders in the region, she has previously served as President of the BJP Mahila Morcha and Chairperson of the former Mandi Municipal Council.
Her election to the urban local body for a fifth consecutive term reflects her sustained grassroots connect and continued public support.
Political observers note that her elevation comes after years of persistence. During the previous Municipal Corporation elections, she was considered a leading contender for the Mayor’s position but was overlooked in favour of Virender Bhatt. This time, despite intense internal competition, she successfully secured the confidence of the party leadership and emerged as the unanimous choice for the top civic post.
Deputy Mayor Jitender Sharma Strengthens BJP’s Hold
The election of Jitender Sharma as Deputy Mayor further cements the BJP’s control over the Municipal Corporation. Senior BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with MLAs Anil Sharma, Inder Singh Gandhi and Puran Chand Thakur, congratulated the newly elected leadership.
They expressed confidence that the new administration would focus on enhancing civic infrastructure, improving public services, and accelerating urban development projects aimed at meeting the aspirations of residents in Mandi.
Key Highlights
- Suman Thakur elected Mayor of Mandi Municipal Corporation unanimously.
- Jitender Sharma elected Deputy Mayor.
- BJP wins 12 out of 14 wards in the Municipal Corporation elections.
- Party secures its second consecutive term in Mandi MC.
- Leadership promises improved civic amenities and faster urban development.
