Dehradun: The mayoral elections in Kotdwar area has become a battle of ‘better halves’ as the candidates contesting the polls are the wives of local BJP and Congress leaders who hold sway in this region.The BJP has fielded Neetu Rawat, wife of Lansdowne MLA Dilip Singh Rawat, while Congress has chosen Hemlata Negi, wife of former party MLA and health minister Surendra Singh Negi. For both Rawat and Negi, it is “a matter of prestige” to ensure that their spouse wins. Throughout the campaigning period, both were seen totally involved in their wives’ campaigning and were not seen canvassing much for other candidates of their respective parties who are contesting from the region.BJP state president Ajay Bhatt, when queried about the “battle between the wives”, said, “In elections, spouses usually chip in the campaigning process, and there is nothing wrong in this.”However, locals say that this battle seems more like a ‘family feud’ than one being fought on core issues. “Voters understand that both the men are pushing for their wives to become mayor, and this has not gone down well. So, there is a possibility that people may vote an independent candidate,” said Girish Bisht, a shopkeeper in Kotdwar main market.After the recent notification of the state government, Kotdwar received the status of a full-fledged civic corporation. The area has a population of over one lakh voters, spread over 100 villages. The seat is reserved for women.

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