Zirakpur, May 23 -- Zirakpur was upgraded to a municipal council (MC) in 2006, following a real estate boom driven by its strategic proximity to Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. However, while it has evolved into a bustling regional hub, its civic infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the population boom. As the city heads to the polls on May 26, it is this persistent civic dissatisfaction-rather than party manifestos-that is driving the narrative.

Residents across the municipality express anger that basic services remain unreliable despite the urban expansion.

"Zirakpur is grappling with civic issues that need urgent attention," says Gurpreet Singh Virk, a local hotelier and resident. "The service roads and inner road network a...