Shimla, Sept. 10 -- The BJP on Thursday wrested control of the Shimla Zila Parishad, winning both the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson, in a significant setback to the ruling Congress government in Himachal Pradesh. BJP-backed candidates Bhupendra Singh Sisodia and Bharat Singh Kalanta were elected chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively in elections held under the chairmanship of Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap. Sisodia secured 13 votes against 10 polled by Congress-backed candidate Surender Rekta, while two votes were declared invalid.
For the vice-chairperson's post, Kalanta polled 14 votes against 10 secured by Congress candidate Meenakshi. One vote was declared invalid.
The BJP's victory assumes political sig...