Municipal Corporation Shimla: BJP to move court against extension of mayor’s tenure

November 7, 2025

The political turmoil in the Shimla Municipal Corporation shows no signs of abating. BJP councillors have begun preparations to challenge the state government’s decision to extend the terms of the mayor and deputy mayor in court. The party’s top leadership has directed BJP councillors to file a petition in court regarding this matter. Consequently, BJP councillors have fully prepared for this process. The BJP claims that the petition will be filed in court on Friday.

The BJP leadership has issued several important instructions to councillors regarding the legal process. The Himachal government recently extended the terms of the mayor and deputy mayor from two and a half years to five years. The government has also passed an ordinance regarding this, but rebellion has erupted among the Congress-ruled councillors in the Municipal Corporation.

15 of the 24 Congress councillors are protesting. A faction is also fearful of the no-confidence motion. Taking advantage of this, the BJP is going to court to ensure women’s rights in the House. However, the Mayor of the Municipal Corporation has already begun to control the damage. To persuade the councilors and avoid a no-confidence motion, he is visiting the wards of the rebellious councilors to oversee work.

Councilors from wards where promises have not been fulfilled for several years are being discussed with them to put aside their differences and work together. It is claimed that in the coming days, councilors close to the Urban MLA, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, and Public Works Minister will be persuaded. Congress-supported councilors are in 24 of the 34 municipal wards. Furthermore, the BJP has won nine, and the CPI(M) has won one. In the 34-member House, 21 councilors are women.

Public Interest Litigation Already Filed

A public interest litigation has already been filed in the High Court regarding the extension of the mayor’s term. The High Court has issued notices to the State Government, the State Election Commissioner, the Director of the Urban Development Department, and the Municipal Corporation, asking the respondents to file their responses, seeking to extend the mayor’s term from two and a half years to five years.

The lawyer informed the court that municipal elections were held on May 15, 2023. Fifty percent of the elected councilors were women. The mayor’s two-and-a-half-year term ends on November 14, but the government has passed an ordinance extending the term to five years. The hearing in this case is now scheduled for November 11.