In Himachal, Opposition Congress winner in 2 of four MCs

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 7

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Opposition Congress won two Municipal Corporations each, polling for which was held today. While the Congress affirmed its hold in Solan and Palampur, Mandi and Dharamsala went to the saffron party.

In Palampur, the stronghold of former CM Shanta Kumar, the Congress dealt a blow to the BJP as it won 11 of the 15 wards, while the BJP and Independents won two wards each.

In Dharamsala, the BJP won eight wards, while the Congress managed victory in five. Independents won in four wards.

In Solan, the Congress won in nine wards and the BJP in seven. An Independent was triumphant in one ward of the 17-ward civic body.

In Mandi, the home district of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP won 11 and the Congress four out of the total 15 wards. The Congress’ victory in the hometown of veteran BJP leader and former MP Shanta Kumar is being seen as a major embarrassment for the ruling party. The Congress won 11 out of 15 wards.

The results of the high-stake MC polls has dealt a blow to the BJP as it was confident of sweeping all four MCs. What is even more worrisome for the BJP is that the Congress victory in Palampur is far more impressive than its own performance in Dharamsala, Mandi and Solan, where it has only a slight edge over the Congress.

Neck and neck

Palampur: The Congress won 11 of the 15 wards, while the BJP and Independents won two wards each.

Dharamsala: The BJP won eight wards, while Congress managed victory in five. Independents won in four wards.

Solan: The Congress won nine wards, BJP seven and Independent one.

Mandi: The BJP won 11 and the Congress four out of the total 15 wards.

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