Himachal Pradesh Government Amends Solan Mayoral Poll Rules Ahead of Election
Hours before the Solan Municipal Corporation mayoral election, the Himachal Pradesh government amended the 2012 election rules, removing the requirement for councillors to show marked ballot papers to party agents. This change, reversing a provision introduced in August to prevent cross-voting, mandates that ballots be folded to conceal votes. The BJP criticized the amendment as unfair and is considering legal action, arguing it favors the Congress, which has fewer councillors but may gain support from dissenting BJP members. The development has sparked debate over its impact on electoral transparency and democratic norms.