DAINIK NATION BUREAU/ALMORA
The BJP candidate Ajay Verma has won the Mayor post of Almora Municipal Corporation by defeating congress candidate. With this victory BJP has put an end of congress decades old dominance. BJP’s candidate clinched the mayoral post with a record-breaking margin, marking a significant milestone in the region’s political landscape.
This election holds particular significance as it was the first time the people of Almora, along with Pithoragarh and Srinagar, had the opportunity to directly elect their mayor. The Dhami government had approved the formation of these three municipal corporations only last year, paving the way for this historic electoral moment.
Almora Municipality, established in 1864, is one of Uttarakhand’s oldest municipalities. Previously, municipal members elected the president, and it was only in 1989 that the public gained the right to elect the Municipal Chairman. Since then, Congress has consistently held this position, with leaders like Balam Singh Janauti and Prakash Chandra Joshi shaping its legacy. However, the BJP’s victory in the first-ever direct mayoral election signifies a seismic shift in Almora’s political dynamics.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been credited with playing a pivotal role in this victory. His decision to elevate Almora to a municipal corporation and his relentless campaign efforts have resonated with voters. Party leaders have also emphasized the grassroots efforts of BJP workers and the development initiatives undertaken by the state government as key factors in the triumph.
This victory further solidifies BJP’s influence in Uttarakhand, following its successes in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Breaking Congress’s stronghold in Almora is seen as a feather in Chief Minister Dhami’s cap, highlighting his leadership and strategic foresight.
The BJP’s historic win is a testament to the party’s growing reach and the changing political preferences of the people in Almora.