BJP’s Campaign Active at Booth Level, Congress Election Campaign Started Late
Shimla, May 13, 2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged significantly ahead of the Congress in Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body Elections 2026. In terms of organisational preparedness, candidate selection, campaign management, disciplinary action and election vision, BJP is consistently seen maintaining an advantage over the Congress party. BJP leaders believe that the party’s timely declaration of candidates and activation of workers at the booth level has created a favourable political atmosphere for the party across the state.
According to election-related figures released by BJP, the party has prepared an extensive strategy for 12 Zila Parishads, 25 Municipal Councils, 22 Nagar Panchayats, 92 BDC units and 3,759 Panchayats across Himachal Pradesh. In thousands of wards falling under these institutions, BJP has either fielded official candidates or extended support to backed candidates. BJP leaders stated that even in Panchayat Pradhan elections, the party demonstrated organisational unity by ensuring consensus and supporting single candidates in several areas.
BJP’s proactive approach has been especially visible in Municipal Corporation elections. In the 64 wards of Solan, Mandi, Dharamshala and Palampur Municipal Corporations, BJP announced its candidates before the Congress party. BJP leaders claimed that Congress struggled to even identify candidates in several wards, while BJP had already completed its election preparations well in advance.
The party further claimed that Congress appeared organisationally weak in Zila Parishad elections as well. While BJP fielded supported candidates in almost every Zila Parishad ward, Congress has still not been able to release a comprehensive list of candidates. BJP leaders said this clearly reflects that Congress is lagging far behind BJP both strategically and organisationally at the grassroots level.
BJP’s election campaign across the state is also gaining momentum rapidly. BJP State In-charge Shrikant Sharma, Co-Incharge Sanjay Tandon, National Vice President Saudan Singh, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and State BJP President Dr. Rajeev Bindal have been continuously touring different Municipal Corporation areas and participating in meetings, conferences, rallies and public outreach programmes. BJP MPs Suresh Kashyap, Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj and Dr. Sikander Kumar are also actively campaigning on the ground, boosting enthusiasm among party workers.
In contrast, Congress’ campaign has appeared comparatively slow and delayed. BJP leaders stated that Congress leaders became active much later in the election process. Even the Chief Minister’s election tours have only recently begun, while the Congress central leadership has largely remained absent from Himachal Pradesh during the crucial phase of campaigning. BJP leaders also pointed out that the Congress in-charge arrived in the state only after the election atmosphere had already intensified.
BJP has also projected itself as more active and decisive in maintaining organisational discipline. The party constituted its disciplinary committee before Congress and took immediate action against indiscipline during the elections. One suspension was carried out in Palampur Municipal Corporation, four in Solan Municipal Corporation and five in Dharamshala Municipal Corporation. Additionally, one expulsion was also carried out keeping the Sirmaur Zila Parishad elections in view. BJP leaders said these actions sent a strong message that organisational discipline would not be compromised under any circumstances.
On the other hand, Congress continued to witness complaints and reports of internal dissatisfaction, but failed to take any substantial disciplinary action. BJP leaders claimed that Congress’ indecisiveness and lack of action have created confusion and dissatisfaction among its own workers.
BJP has also moved ahead of Congress in presenting its election vision before the public. The party has already released its vision documents for Solan, Dharamshala, Palampur and Mandi Municipal Corporations and is aggressively campaigning around them. These vision documents focus on basic civic facilities, traffic management, drinking water supply, smart infrastructure, tourism, employment and local development. In comparison, Congress has so far managed to release its vision document only in Solan.
BJP has additionally formed dedicated campaign teams for all 64 Municipal Corporation wards and activated workers at the booth level. Through door-to-door outreach, ward meetings and public interaction campaigns, BJP workers are continuously engaging with voters. Political observers believe that considering the pace of campaign preparation, organisational strength and grassroots activity, BJP currently appears far more organised and active than Congress in the ongoing local body elections.
“BJP is contesting these elections with complete organisational coordination and strength. Our workers are active at the booth level, while Congress still appears confused regarding its organisation and candidates. The people of Himachal Pradesh are standing firmly with BJP’s vision of development, discipline and clear leadership.”Rakesh Jamwal, Chief Spokesperson, BJP Himachal Pradesh says
