Dehradun: In the 2025 Uttarakhand civic elections, independent candidates have once again captured the hearts of the people, leaving political parties in their wake. Many independent candidates clinched key seats in the bastion of major political parties like BJP and Congress.
Among these independent candidates Several young women also made their presence felt in civic polls. This trend, consistent over the last three elections, has seen independents perform strongly in the roles of mayor, councillor, and member. The mandate in favor of independents serves as a stark reminder to political parties of their shortcomings.
Independent Aarti Bhandari has become the first mayor of Srinagar
In a historic turn of events, Aarti Bhandari has become the first mayor of Srinagar, emerging victorious as an independent candidate in the recent municipal elections. Her triumph is a testament to the power of individual merit and the changing dynamics of voter preferences. Aarti Bhandari entered the fray without the backing of any political party and managed to defeat her opponents with a significant margin. In the election, she secured 7959 votes, surpassing BJP candidate Asha Upadhyay, who received 6320 votes, by 1639 votes. This victory marks a significant milestone in the political landscape of Srinagar.
Independent women candidates emerged victorious
Many women have emerged victorious without the support of any political parties. One among them, Anjana Rawat, a 22-year-old woman who supports herself by selling tea in Srinagar Garhwal, has won as an independent candidate from Srinagar. Anjana started looking after her family after her father’s demise three years ago. Likewise, Ambika Chauhan, a 21-year-old woman from Selaqui Dehradun, has become one of the youngest winners in the Uttarakhand civic polls. Another independent candidate, Kubja Dharmwan, won the Rudraprayag seat.
Image, behaviour, and strong connection turn the tables
Despite lacking the backing of any major party, independent candidates have managed to win the trust and votes of the populace. This year’s elections saw a significant number of independent candidates, many of whom were former BJP and Congress workers who, after being denied tickets, decided to contest as independents. Their image, behavior, and strong connection with the people, coupled with a wave of sympathy, played a crucial role in their victories.
Independents have consistently made a strong presence
Since the 2008 civic elections, independents have consistently made a strong presence. In 2008, they won 22 president posts and 300 councillor and member posts. This trend continued in 2013 with 22 president posts and 369 councillor and member posts, and in 2018 with 23 president posts and over 450 councillor and member posts. Yesterday, by 8 PM, independents had won 13 president posts and 305 councillor and member posts, while they were leading in seven president posts and 108 councillor and member posts.
This trend serves as a wake-up call to political parties
The dominance of independents in urban areas highlights the importance of the candidate’s image and fighting spirit among the public. This trend serves as a wake-up call to political parties, urging them to reconsider their candidate selection processes and strategies. The success of independents in the 2025 Uttarakhand civic elections is a testament to the power of individual merit and the changing dynamics of voter preferences.
