Jaisalmer: The Congress Thursday opened its account in Jaisalmer civic elections after its candidate Lakhmo was elected unopposed from Ward 23 following the withdrawal of nomination papers by her BJP rival and five independent candidates.Lakhmo, wife of former municipal chairperson Sumar Khan, was declared elected after the withdrawal process ended. Returning Officer and Jaisalmer SDM Virendra Singh handed her the certificate of election and administered oath of office.The Congress fielded Lakhmo from Ward 23, while BJP nominated Jaya Daiya. Five independents — Sugna Devi, Naseeba Bano, Madina, Hakima and Mumtaz Bano — had also entered the fray. During the withdrawal process, BJP candidate Jaya Daiya and independent candidate Naseeba Bano withdrew their nominations Wednesday. The remaining ones withdrew Thursday, leaving Lakhmo as the sole candidate in the ward.The unopposed election has boosted Congress’s morale ahead of polling for the remaining wards. Congress district president Amardeen Faqir said the development reflected the growing support for the party among voters in Jaisalmer. He claimed that Congress workers are united and expressed confidence in the party’s victory in Jaisalmer and Pokhran.A total of 103 candidates withdrew their nomination papers on the final day, while 25 candidates withdrew their papers Wednesday, according to officials. Following the completion of the withdrawal process, 181 candidates remain in the fray across 44 wards of the Jaisalmer Municipal Council.Election symbols will be allotted to the candidates Friday.In Pokhran, 27 candidates withdrew their nominations Thursday, in addition to 12 candidates who backed out Wednesday. A total of 39 candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers.According to Returning Officer and Pokhran SDM Heer Singh Charan, after the withdrawal process, 74 candidates remain in the contest for Pokhran’s 25 wards.
