Sushma Elected Solan Mayor, Independent Gaurav Rajput Becomes Deputy Mayor
Shimla/Solan, July 2: After weeks of political drama and an intense battle for numbers, BJP councillor Sushma was elected Mayor of the Solan Municipal Corporation, while Independent councillor Gaurav Rajput was elected Deputy Mayor on Thursday.
Both secured 11 votes each, thwarting the Congress's bid to capture the civic body in one of Himachal Pradesh's most closely watched municipal contests.
The outcome was a major political victory for Himachal BJP president Dr. Rajiv Bindal, whose prestige was at stake in his home district. Bindal personally supervised the party's strategy and remained present during the election process.
As the results were declared, BJP workers celebrated enthusiastically and took out a victory procession from the Municipal Corporation office to the BJP office under Dr. Bindal's leadership. MLA Balbir Verma, BJP councillors and party workers joined the celebrations.
The result is being seen as a significant morale booster for the BJP while dealing a political setback to the ruling Congress, which failed to muster the numbers despite sustained efforts to wrest control of the Solan Municipal Corporation.
