Excitement in Kalayat, Pundri, Siwan as residents prepare for MC elections

Residents of Kalayat, Pundri and Siwan MCs (MCs) are gearing up with enthusiasm for the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March 2. For the first time, voters will directly elect their chairpersons, a major shift from the earlier system where councillors chose the chairperson. The residents welcomed the step, who believe it gives them the power to decide their local leadership.

As election day approaches, enthusiasm is increasing among the voters who are eager to exercise their newly granted right to directly choose their municipal chairperson.

Each of these MCs comprises of 16 wards and voters will cast their ballots not only for ward councillors but also for the chairperson. In Kalayat, 14,573 voters—7,589 males, 6,982 females, and two others — are set to participate in the democratic process. Pundri has 15,606 eligible voters, including 8,178 males and 7,428 female voters. Meanwhile, Siwan has 14,882 voters, with 7,738 males, 7,143 females, and one other voter ready to cast their votes.

Many voters have expressed their excitement over the new system, saying that it would strengthen democracy by ensuring that people, not councillors, have the final say in choosing their leader.

“Earlier, we only elected councillors and they would later decide the chairperson. Now, we have the power to choose our own chairperson, which is a good step for democracy," said Nishant from Pundri.

Mandeep Singh, Gautam, and Ram echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the system eliminated backdoor deals and ensured the chairperson is accountable directly to the people. Anil from Pundri expressed his excitement, saying, "For the first time, we will elect the chairperson ourselves. This is a historic moment for us."Yashpal pointed out the flaws of the previous system, saying that some councillors used to elect the chairperson based on personal interests rather than public welfare. He welcomed the change, saying it would lead to more transparent and democratic governance. Paramjeet Singh, Jarnail Singh Cheema of the Kalayat MC area, said that after the step there would be no horse trading for the post of chairperson. “We will choose our chairperson,” they added.