Punjab Newsline | Shimla
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken control of the Shimla Zila Parishad after 26 years following the election of its chairman and vice-chairman.
Bhupender Sisodia was elected chairman after securing 13 votes, defeating Congress-backed Surender Retka, who received 10 votes. Two votes were declared invalid. Sisodia secured the 13 votes required for a majority in the 25-member Zila Parishad.
Independent member Bharat Singh Kalanta was elected vice-chairman with 14 votes, while his rival Meenakshi secured 10 votes. One vote was rejected.
Kalanta had extended his support to the BJP during the election, which proved decisive in changing the balance of power in the Zila Parishad. The BJP subsequently backed him for the vice-chairman’s post.
Before the elections, neither party had a clear majority. The BJP had 11 members and the Congress 10, while the independent members emerged as key players in determining the outcome.
The victory marks a significant political development for the BJP, which has regained control of the Shimla Zila Parishad after nearly 26 years. BJP workers and supporters celebrated the results at the Zila Parishad premises.
With Sisodia as chairman and Kalanta as vice-chairman, the new leadership will now face the challenge of accelerating development works and addressing pending issues in the district.
