In yet another litmus test for the ruling AAP in the district ahead of the upcoming Assembly election, polls for two municipal councils — Jandiala Guru and Majitha — and three nagar panchayats — Rayya, Ramdas, and Ajnala — will be held on May 26.The outcome of the elections, particularly in Majitha, Ramdas, and Ajnala — the latter two of which fall in the Ajnala Assembly segment — will have a far-reaching impact on the political careers of ruling party leaders, Majitha halqa in-charge Talbir Singh Gill and Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal.While Dhaliwal represents the Ajnala segment, he will have to take on supporters of Congress leader Harpartap Singh Ajnala. Similarly, in Majitha, SAD turncoat and AAP’s halqa in-charge Talbir Singh Gill will have to prove his mettle against his former mentor and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia.During the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections held last year, Majithia was in jail. The situation is different now, as he has regained political momentum.Political observers feel the election results will reflect the public mood and the ruling party will not take any chances that could make people believe its popularity is waning. “Like the Zila Parishad elections and, before that, the panchayat elections, the ruling party will use every arrow in its quiver to influence the results,” said a local political analyst.After all, “sam, dam, dand, bhed”, and a little muscle mixed with extensive use of administrative machinery are not new to democracy.As per the notification issued by the government, candidates will be able to file their nominations from May 13 to May 16. Scrutiny of nominations will be done on May 18, and candidates will be able to withdraw their nominations on May 19. A total of 65 wards in all five local bodies will be contested.