India, May 13 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday secured a strategic win in the Sampla municipal committee, a region traditionally considered a stronghold of former chief minister and Congress veteran Bhupinder Singh Hooda, while counting was underway for the three municipal corporations and several councils in the state.

According to the state election commission, BJP candidate Praveen claimed the chairman's post by 687 votes, defeating Independent candidate Ankit. Though the Congress opted not to field an official candidate, the result serves as a direct setback to Hooda's local influence, particularly after he urged voters to consolidate behind any candidate capable of defeating the BJP.

This victory, bolstered by high-...