Bathinda: Intense lobbying is underway within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of elections for the post of mayor in the municipal corporations of Bathinda, Barnala, and Moga, scheduled for Thursday. According to party sources, the names of Padamjit Singh Mehta in Bathinda and Hasanpreet Bhardwaj in Barnala have emerged as frontrunners, although the party has yet to make an official announcement.
Reservation and Contestants in Moga
Under the Punjab Reservation for the Offices of Mayors of Municipal Corporations Rules, 2017, the mayor's post in Moga is reserved for candidates from the backward classes (BC) category. In Moga, the contest is confined to AAP councillors Vikramjit Singh and Vinaypal Kaur, the only two councillors from the BC category. Sources indicate that the final decision will be taken by the party leadership.
Bathinda: Strong Contenders
Former Bathinda mayor Padamjit Singh Mehta, son of Punjab Cricket Association president Amarjit Singh Mehta, is considered a strong contender for a second term. Other names circulating include Harbans Kaur, mother-in-law of Punjab speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and AAP youth wing functionary Mandeep Kaur Ramgarhia.
Barnala: Leading Candidates
In Barnala, Hasanpreet Bhardwaj, considered close to Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, is among the leading contenders. Former municipal council presidents Gurjit Singh Ramniwasia and Paramjit Singh Dhillon, AAP trade wing district chairman Rajiv Kumar Lubi, and councillor Dharam Paul are also in the fray.
Leadership's Role
Meet Hayer stated that the party would consider various factors before finalising its candidate. Moga MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora said the final decision on the mayoral post would be taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
