Mohali records 719 NOTA votes, 27 women win seats in 50‑member house

In Mohali, 719 voters opted for the NOTA button while 27 women secured seats in the 50‑member municipal house. The figures highlight a distinct pattern in the recent election, where the decision to reject all candidates attracted nearly three‑hundred votes, and women made up more than half of the successful candidates. AAP emerged as the party with the largest share of women councillors, winning 17 of the 27 seats. Congress followed with eight women representatives, and the BJP secured two. The breakdown shows a clear lead for AAP in fielding female candidates, while the other two parties contributed fewer women to the house. Among the women winners, AAP’s Dr Akshita Sharma retained ward 14 for a second consecutive term. She defeated Congress candidate Poonam by a margin of 882 votes, underscoring her continued popularity in the constituency. The presence of 27 women in a 50‑member house reflects a gradual shift toward greater gender representation in local governance. While women still represent slightly more than half of the elected members, the result suggests that parties are increasingly prioritizing female candidacies to appeal to voters. The NOTA option, which allows voters to reject all contenders, recorded 719 votes, indicating that a notable segment of the electorate remained unconvinced by the declared candidates. This outcome aligns with trends observed in other recent municipal polls across the region. The newly elected house will assume its responsibilities in shaping local policies, infrastructure development, and public services. The composition, with a significant number of women, may influence discussions on issues such as safety, health, and community welfare. Overall, the election results in Mohali present a mixed picture: a substantial NOTA vote signals voter dissatisfaction, while the rise of women candidates points to evolving political strategies and a growing emphasis on gender inclusion.

Source: Hindustan Times