09-Dec-2024, 02:02 PM
Punjab is set to hold its civic body elections on December 21, 2024, marking a significant political event as voters decide the fate of five municipal corporations and 44 municipal councils across the state. This election comes after a two-year delay, during which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government faced criticism for postponing the polls. The Supreme Court’s intervention mandated that elections be conducted promptly, leading to the announcement by State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri.
The elections will take place in five key municipal corporations: Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Phagwara. Polling will be conducted from 7 AM to 4 PM using electronic voting machines (EVMs), a shift from previous elections where ballot papers were utilized. This change aims to streamline the voting process and enhance efficiency. Chaudhuri confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth electoral process, including deploying approximately 21,500 personnel from the police and Home Guards for security.
Eligible voters for this election total around 37.32 lakh, comprising 19.55 lakh males, 17.76 lakh females, and 204 others. The election will cover 381 wards in the municipal corporations and 598 wards in the councils and nagar panchayats. Authorities have identified 1,609 polling locations, with specific areas classified as hypersensitive or sensitive to ensure heightened security measures.
Political parties are gearing up for a fierce contest. The AAP will be looking to consolidate its power in urban areas against strong opposition from the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Congress leaders have expressed confidence in their ability to sweep the elections, criticizing AAP for failing to deliver on pre-election promises. SAD has also voiced concerns regarding the timing of the elections, which coincide with significant Sikh commemorations.
The upcoming civic body elections represent not just a local governance decision but also a barometer of Punjab’s political landscape ahead of future assembly elections. With all major political parties involved, including the BJP testing its urban outreach independently, these elections are poised to be pivotal in shaping local governance and party dynamics in Punjab.
Newshots: The December 21 elections will be crucial for assessing voter sentiment towards major parties amid ongoing political challenges in Punjab.
