Campaign Finale: Roadshows, Corner Meetings

Candidates wrapped up campaigning for Mohali municipal corporation elections with corner meetings and roadshows across the city on Monday. BJP leader Amit Tandon addressed large crowds in several wards, calling for votes to ensure holistic growth. Polling stations open Tuesday for the vote covering 51 wards . ### Who is Amit Tandon and what did he say? Amit Tandon, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Ward 25 in Mohali, led multiple roadshows on Monday. Speaking to crowds in Phases 3B2, 5 and 8, Tandon said, "Vote for BJP to ensure holistic growth and development of Mohali." He emphasized infrastructure improvements and promised continued progress under BJP governance . Tandon's events drew hundreds of supporters, with participants chanting slogans and waving party flags. Similar gatherings occurred in other wards, including addresses by AAP's Kulwant Singh in Ward 15 and Congress candidates in Phases 1 and 11 . ### What are corner meetings and roadshows in Indian elections? Corner meetings involve candidates speaking at street corners or small public spots to small groups of voters, often in residential areas. Roadshows feature candidates moving through streets in open vehicles, accompanied by supporters on bikes and foot, playing music and distributing pamphlets. These formats allow direct voter contact on the final campaign day, banned for large rallies under Election Commission rules . In Mohali, over 20 such events took place Monday across the 51 wards of the Municipal Corporation. AAP candidates held nine corner meetings, while BJP organized seven roadshows, according to local reports . ### Why do these events happen on the last day? Election Commission of India rules prohibit campaigning 48 hours before polls open, making Monday the final day for public events in Mohali. These last-minute pushes target undecided voters and boost turnout enthusiasm. "The aim is to sway the last-minute voters and set the tone for polling day," said election observer Rajinder Sharma . Turnout in Mohali's 2023 municipal polls was 62.5%, with officials expecting similar or higher participation Tuesday. Events focused on key issues like sewerage, roads and water supply, raised by candidates from BJP, AAP and Congress . ### Which parties are contesting and who are the main candidates? Three major parties fielded candidates: BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress. BJP's Amit Tandon in Ward 25 and Kuldeep Kumar in Ward 10 held prominent roadshows. AAP's Aman Sood in Ward 3 and Kulwant Singh in Ward 15 addressed corner meetings, criticizing opposition on civic failures. Congress candidates like Balbir Singh in Phase 11 focused on youth employment . A total of 181 candidates are in the fray for 51 wards, with 34 wards seeing multi-corner contests. Independents make up 20% of contenders . ### What issues dominated the campaign? Candidates repeatedly highlighted poor sewerage systems, potholed roads and irregular water supply. BJP promised "holistic development" including smart city upgrades. AAP accused the municipal corporation of mismanagement, vowing better governance. Congress focused on affordable housing and green spaces . Mohali, part of the Chandigarh Tricity, faces rapid urbanization pressuring infrastructure. Voter turnout will decide control of the 51-member house, influencing a budget over ₹500 crore annually. ### When and how does voting happen Tuesday? Polling stations across Mohali open at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26. Over 2.1 lakh voters are eligible at 238 booths, with webcasting at 50% of sites for transparency. Results will be declared May 28, determining the mayor and councilors (; ). ```