A total of 101 candidates have been allotted election symbols for the upcoming municipal polls in Kullu district. The allotment was completed by the returning officers for the respective municipal councils, including Kullu, Manali, Bhuntar, and Banjar. The candidates will contest for 35 wards across these four municipal councils.
Symbol Allotment Process
The returning officers conducted the symbol allotment process in the presence of the candidates or their representatives. The process was carried out smoothly, with each candidate receiving a unique symbol for their campaign. The symbols range from common symbols like 'bicycle' and 'umbrella' to local symbols such as 'apple' and 'trout fish'.
Key Contests
In Kullu municipal council, 35 candidates are in the fray for 11 wards. Manali municipal council will see 28 candidates contesting for 9 wards. Bhuntar municipal council has 22 candidates for 8 wards, while Banjar municipal council has 16 candidates for 7 wards. The elections are scheduled to be held on June 15.
The candidates include representatives from major political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), as well as independent candidates. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 35 wards, while Congress has contested in 30 wards and AAP in 12 wards. The remaining candidates are independents.
Campaigning in Full Swing
With the symbol allotment completed, candidates have begun their door-to-door campaigns. The election commission has set a model code of conduct in place, and strict monitoring is being done to prevent any violations. The police have also been deployed to ensure peaceful polling.
The municipal polls are seen as a litmus test for the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in the state. The results will be declared on June 18. Voter turnout is expected to be high, as local issues like water supply, sanitation, and road infrastructure are key concerns for residents.
