Today, residents of Panchkula and Ambala in Haryana are casting their votes for mayors and councillors, with the results expected to impact local governance over the next five years. In Panchkula, six candidates, including two Independents, are competing for the mayor's position, while 87 candidates vie for 20 councillor seats. The city struggles with significant civic issues, such as deteriorating roads, ineffective waste management, and safety concerns, which have contributed to a drop in its national cleanliness ranking to 219 in 2024-25 from 139 the previous year. The ₹160 crore fraud involving municipal funds has also been a focal point in the elections, with all parties promising reforms to prevent future misconduct. Meanwhile, Ambala's election features a contest among BJP's Akshita Saini, Congress's Kulwinder Kaur, and Independent candidate Sonia Rani, with the city facing similar civic challenges. The BJP is promoting a 'triple-engine' governance model, while opposition parties target the ruling party's handling of local issues. To ensure a smooth electoral process, 1,535 police personnel have been deployed in Panchkula, emphasizing the commitment to fair elections.