50-ward delimitation redraws political lines ahead of civic polls in Mohali

Northern Mohali: Industrial and village voters clubbed

At the northern edge of the city, Ward No. 1 has been formed by merging Mohali village and Shahimajra village, two densely populated rural pockets. The ward also includes the Ranbaxy and PTL industrial blocks, giving it a mixed rural-industrial character with a high voter base.

Political significance of this ward is heightened as both villages previously had separate councillors, both belonging to the Congress. Under the new arrangement, Ward 1 has been reserved for women, a move that could reshape internal party equations. Meanwhile, Matour and Kumbra villages have been split into two wards each, further fragmenting traditional strongholds.

Key changes affecting senior leadership

Discussions are particularly intense around wards associated with the ruling leadership. Earlier, the Mayor represented Ward No. 10, while the Senior Deputy Mayor represented Ward No. 42. Under the new delimitation, both wards have been placed in the general category, a move being viewed as electorally favourable for them.

In contrast, the Deputy Mayor’s earlier Ward No. 8 has now been renumbered as Ward No. 10. While it remains in the general category, a major reshuffle of residential pockets has taken place. Seven-and-a-half marla and kanal houses from the Deputy Mayor’s old ward have been merged into the Mayor’s former ward, now numbered Ward 10. Meanwhile, 10-marla houses have been shifted to the newly created Ward No. 37, earlier part of Congress councillor Baljit Kaur’s Ward No. 9, a change likely to affect voter arithmetic.

Mid-city Phases see complex redrawing

The mid-city belt covering Phases 3, 4 and 5 has witnessed the most intricate redrawing. Several residential clusters have been merged or split across wards, blending high-density colonies with premium housing areas. Political analysts believe these changes will influence voter turnout and campaign focus, especially in areas with traditionally high political mobilisation.

Outer sectors and villages brought into focus

The outer ring of Mohali covering villages like Nanumajra, Sambhalki, Landran, Chappar Chiri Kalan and Khurd, and Balongi, along with rapidly developing sectors such as 74, 75, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 92-A, 93, 94, 116, 117, 118, 119 and 126, has been reorganised to integrate rural and urban voters.
The largest ward, Ward No. 50, includes the ESI Hospital, PSPCL Grid, cremation ground, Quark City, and major parts of Sectors 74, 75 and 57, making it one of the most closely watched constituencies due to its size and demographic diversity.

How it was in 2021

In the 2021 Municipal Corporation elections, Mohali’s 50 wards were divided as follows: 25 wards reserved for women, including two for SC women.

Among the remaining 25 wards: 3 reserved for SC men, 2 for BC men, 20 for the general category.
The contrast highlights a significant shift in reservation balance under the new delimitation.

Objections likely, legal battle possible

Opposition parties are preparing to raise objections against the new ward delimitation. Political circles indicate that petitions may be filed in the High Court, potentially adding a legal dimension to the political contest. Any court intervention could impact ward equations and election timelines.

Ward numbering reset: A symbolic Shift

Another notable change is the reordering of ward numbers. In previous elections, Ward No. 1 started from Phase 2, with Phase 1 forming the last ward. Under the new delimitation, Ward No. 1 now begins from Mohali village, marking a symbolic and administrative shift in the city’s electoral geography.

Public access to ward maps

The new ward map has been displayed at the Municipal Commissioner’s office, drawing visits from sitting councillors eager to study boundary changes. Municipal officials confirmed that from Wednesday onward, the general public and prospective candidates will also be able to view the map, ensuring transparency in the process.

Political takeaway

Political analysts agree that the new ward delimitation is far more than an administrative exercise. By merging villages with urban sectors, redistributing reservation categories, and forcing senior leaders into overlapping voter bases, the redraw has unsettled established equations. With internal party calculations underway and legal challenges looming, Mohali’s next municipal election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years.

Claims and objections can be submitted until December 30. With only seven days now available for filing claims and objections, the final notification will be issued thereafter.