India, Feb. 24 -- As Gurugram's municipal elections campaigning enters their final phase, independent candidates, many of whom are former councillors, have emerged as formidable challengers to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress-backed nominees. Their deep-rooted local connection has not only earned them significant support but also hindered the campaigning efforts of major party candidates in several wards, alleged other candidates.

Several BJP and Congress nominees have admitted that they are struggling to access key residential areas for canvassing, as supporters of independent candidates dominate these spaces. In some cases, party-backed candidates have been denied entry into gated communities, apartment complexes, and village ...