May 14, 2023
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HP: Shimla Municipal Corporation Elections: A Resounding Rejection of BJP's Anti-People Policies

THE Shimla Municipal Corporation election results suggest that the citizens have expressed their discontent and unhappiness with the policies that were implemented by the BJP government and the municipal corporation over the last five years. The BJP faced a significant setback in these elections, securing less than half of the wards they previously held. Conversely, the Congress party won a decisive majority, while the CPI(M) succeeded in maintaining its hold on the Summerhill ward, with Virendra Thakur emerging as the winner. The red flag has been raised for the fifth consecutive time in the Summerhill ward, indicating the Party's consistent success in the area.

In the Sangti ward, Kapil Sharma, a young face of the CPI(M), was the Party's candidate and secured the second position. The Party was able to increase its votes compared to the previous municipal elections. Diksha Thakur, a former councillor of Summerhill ward, performed well in Tutu ward, while Amit Kumar represented the Party in the Krishna Nagar ward.

According to the election results of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, the voters have shown their support for Congress by rejecting the BJP, and Congress has secured an absolute majority by winning 24 out of the 34 seats in the municipal corporation. It is noteworthy that the BJP, despite being in power in the previous municipal corporation, was only able to secure nine seats this time and failed to even reach double digits.

The outcome of the recent Shimla election is indicative of a resounding message from the public against the BJP government's anti-people policies. These policies, which included the privatisation of essential services like water and expensive garbage collection fee, resulted in inflation, unemployment, and public resentment. The voters have rejected these policies, which were geared toward promoting privatisation while prohibiting recruitment. The election results have made it evident that the public is opposed to these policies and seeks relief from the new Congress government and the upcoming municipal corporation.

Back in 2012, the CPI(M) mayor and deputy mayor received a significant number of votes through direct elections. Nevertheless, the government of that time revised the Corporation Act and reverted to indirect elections.  During this period, the CPI(M) placed significant emphasis on the public services in Shimla, including water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management. The Party vehemently opposed privatisation of these services and advocated for their efficient management under the public sector.
Sanjay Chauhan, the district secretary of the Party, expressed gratitude to the public for their support and ensured that the Party will continue to stand with people both inside and outside the municipal corporation. The Party is committed to fighting for the issues that matter to the people and advocating for their rights and interests.