BJP Scores Major Victory in Shimla Zila Parishad, Deals Blow to Congress Stronghold
The BJP has secured both top positions in the Shimla Zila Parishad, delivering a significant political setback to the Congress in one of its traditional strongholds.
In Thursday’s election for chairperson, BJP nominee Bhupendra Sisodia secured 13 votes, defeating Congress candidate Surendra Retka, who received 10. Two votes were declared invalid.
The BJP also won the vice-chairperson position. Its candidate Bharat Singh Kalanta polled 14 votes, while Congress nominee Meenakshi received 10. One vote was declared void.
The result assumes added significance with Himachal Pradesh heading towards its next Assembly election. Shimla has historically been a strong base for the Congress and is also home to the constituencies of three State ministers, including the Panchayati Raj Minister.
The BJP’s campaign for the Zila Parishad election in Shimla was coordinated by MPs Harsh Mahajan and Sikander Kumar.
The election was conducted at Bachat Bhawan, where the newly elected chairperson and vice-chairperson took their oaths of office and secrecy. Shimla Deputy Commissioner and presiding officer Anupam Kashyap administered the oaths.
With the conclusion of the Shimla elections, chairperson and vice-chairperson elections have now been completed across all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh.
The process had faced a delay of around three months following the announcement of the Zila Parishad results. An earlier meeting scheduled for August 3 could not proceed because of insufficient attendance by elected members, triggering political tensions and protests by the BJP.
The matter eventually reached the High Court after 13 Zila Parishad members approached it. The court directed the Shimla Deputy Commissioner to conduct the election on September 10.
Following the BJP’s victory, party workers celebrated outside with traditional music and drums. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap expressed hope that the new leadership would accelerate development and rural projects across the district.