Panipat MC elections: BJP, Cong in high-stakes battle

As electioneering for the Panipat Municipal Corporation (MC) elections reaches its peak, candidates for the posts of Mayor and 26 councillors are making their final push to woo voters. The elections have become a prestige issue for both BJP and Congress, with each party striving for dominance in the city known globally as the ‘Textile City’.

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The ruling BJP faces the twin challenges of improving voter turnout and securing a decisive victory in the elections, while the Congress is making efforts to regain lost ground. A total of 107 candidates — four for Mayor and 103 for councillors — are contesting. As many as 4.11 lakh voters, including 1.92 lakh women, 2.18 lakh men and 13 transgenders, will cast their votes on March 9.

The four mayoral candidates in the fray are Komal Saini (BJP), Savita Garg (Congress), Preet Pal Singh Khera (AAP) and Independent Kewal Singh. With campaigning officially ending on Friday evening, candidates have shifted to door-to-door outreach and meetings with influential figures in their wards. Meanwhile, party leaders are devising strategies to mobilise maximum voter turnout.

The BJP has run an aggressive campaign, led by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and several Cabinet Ministers and MLAs. CM Saini held a roadshow and a public meeting to support BJP’s mayoral candidate Komal Saini and councillor candidates. He also addressed the ‘Panna Pramukh Sammelan’ on Thursday to boost voter engagement.

BJP district president Dushyant Bhatt said, "There is no challenge to our candidates in the MC polls. The BJP will win all 27 seats — one mayor and 26 councillors." He added that booth presidents and panna pramukhs have been assigned duties to ensure high voter turnout.

In contrast, Congress’ mayoral candidate Savita Garg and councillor hopefuls campaigned vigorously but lacked visible support from senior party leaders. Sources revealed that even local senior Congress leaders remained largely absent, raising concerns over party organisation.

A political expert said, “Winning the MC elections is crucial for both BJP and Congress. However, in terms of organisational strength and election preparedness, BJP is far ahead of Congress in Panipat.”

He further stated that BJP workers are highly motivated after their recent Haryana Assembly victory, and their morale soared further after winning the Delhi Assembly elections.