The Local Government Department of Punjab has officially issued a notification finalising the reservation matrix for the post of Mayor across eight Municipal Corporations (MCs) in the state, reserving the Moga mayoral post for a candidate belonging to the Backward Classes (BC).The state government’s Department of Local Bodies released the formal letter outlining the roster system to ensure proportionate representation. The directive has been sent to the Divisional Commissioners of Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Rupnagar and Faridkot.Under “The Punjab Reservation for the Offices of Mayors of Municipal Corporations Rules, 2017,” the mayoral posts for the remaining seven corporations — Abohar, Batala, Barnala, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Pathankot and SAS Nagar (Mohali) — will remain in the General (Open) category.The development follows the general municipal corporation elections held across all eight cities on May 26.The notification also directs the respective Divisional Commissioners to convene formal meetings to conduct mayoral elections. As per Rule 3(1) of The Punjab Municipal Corporation Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor Election Rules, 1991 (amended in 2001), the commissioners must first administer the oath of office to newly elected councillors before proceeding with elections for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor.Political parties preparing for the Moga mayoral contest will now have to field a candidate strictly from the BC category. The announcement has triggered immediate political activity in the city, with local leaders evaluating potential eligible councillors who can stake a claim to the top civic post.