Jhunjhunu: Independents are set to decide the balance of power in Shekhawati’s civic bodies, with BJP and Congress both falling short of control in four of the six municipal councils across Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu.Only two councils have delivered clear mandates. Congress has a majority in Sikar Municipal Council, where Khatija Bano is considered certain to become chairperson, while BJP has crossed the majority mark in Sujangarh, where Madanlal is set for victory. In Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Churu and Sardarshahar, the next board will depend on independents.Since the results, both parties have kept their councillors in camps and are working to secure independent support. Councillors will vote for chairperson and president posts on Monday.Across the three districts, Congress finished marginally ahead in the ward tally. Of 1,467 wards, Congress won 556, BJP 520, CPM 1, RLP 4 and independents 386.In Jhunjhunu Municipal Council, Congress has won 30 seats, BJP 15 and independents 15. Congress needs just one independent to form the board. The contest is between BJP’s Manu Dhankhad and Congress’s Abdul Agwan.In Sikar, Congress won 38 of 65 wards, BJP 22, independents 4 and RLP 1. BJP has fielded Kanchan Kumari against Congress’s Khatija Bano.Fatehpur remains wide open. In the 55-member council, Congress and independents have 21 seats each, while BJP has 13. BJP’s Anju Bhinda faces Congress’s Nikita.In Churu Municipal Council, BJP has 30 of 60 seats, Congress 24 and independents 6. BJP needs one independent vote to secure the board. BJP has fielded Vinay Goyanka and Congress Sanjay Bhati.In Sardarshahar, BJP has 25 seats, Congress 22 and independents 8 in the 55-member council. BJP, which has fielded Anita against Congress’s Monika, needs three independents.BJP candidates have already been elected unopposed in Khetri and Palsana. In Khetri, Geeta Saini won unopposed, while in Palsana, Naresh Kumawat was elected without a contest.
