In an unprecedented move, all four candidates for Baihna Ward No. 14 in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew their nominations on Wednesday, resulting in the cancellation of elections scheduled for May 17. The candidates, including Gurbachan Singh from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Dhandev from the Indian National Congress, withdrew in response to collective demands from local residents for the restoration of the ward's panchayat status. Residents argue that since Baihna was incorporated into the municipal corporation, they have faced increased taxes without receiving adequate urban amenities. BJP MLA Inder Singh Gandhi assured that if his party comes to power, the ward will revert to panchayat status. Similarly, candidates from Douhandi Ward also withdrew their nominations, although one Congress candidate remained, preventing a complete withdrawal. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur criticized the Congress for not aligning with voter sentiments in Douhandi. In contrast, three panchayats in Sirmaur district were elected unopposed, reflecting a different approach to local governance, with the state government increasing financial grants for these panchayats.