AAP Secures Victory in Baghapurana Block Samiti Chairperson Election
In a closely contested election held under judicial oversight, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged victorious in the Baghapurana Block Samiti chairperson race. The election, conducted on Saturday at the Moga deputy commissioner's office, saw AAP candidate Sarabjit Kaur elected after securing 14 votes, defeating the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) nominee who received 12 votes. This outcome marks a significant setback for the Akali Dal, which had asserted a clear majority in the block samiti.
Congress Plays Pivotal Role in Election Dynamics
Despite holding only three seats in the 25-member house, the Congress party played a decisive role by extending support to AAP for the chairperson position. In return, Congress nominee Charanjit Kaur was elected as vice-chairperson, highlighting a strategic alliance that influenced the election results. The Congress support proved crucial for AAP's success, with Charanjit Kaur's election following their backing of the AAP candidate for the top post.
Composition and Allegations in Baghapurana Block Samiti
The Baghapurana Block Samiti comprises 25 elected members, with the local MLA counted as the 26th member. Of the elected members, SAD had 13, AAP had eight, Congress three, and one independent candidate. Prior to the election, the Akali Dal claimed support from all its 13 members and at least two Congress members. However, with only 12 votes secured, the party accused Congress members of double-crossing and announced plans to investigate instances of cross-voting.
Controversy Over MLA Voting Rights and Election Process
During the election, Akali Dal members raised objections to the MLA's participation in voting. Deputy commissioner Sagar Setia referenced a state government letter and notification dated March 5, 2026, which permits MLAs to vote in block samiti elections, based on earlier communications from 2013 and 2019. When asked to produce any stay order against this notification, Akali Dal members could not provide one, leading to the MLA's vote being allowed while the objection was formally recorded.
DC Sagar Setia confirmed to Times of India that the election was conducted as per Punjab and Haryana High Court directions, with a court-appointed observer present. The results showed a 14-12 vote for chairperson and a 15-9 vote for vice-chairperson, with two invalid votes. He noted that all objections, including those regarding MLA voting rights, were duly documented.
Background of Election Unrest and Legal Interventions
The election followed earlier disruptions on March 17, when protests and law and order issues prevented completion. Subsequently, 15 members, including 13 from SAD, approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking fresh elections. In a related development, Baghapurana SDM Babandeep Singh Walia wrote to the Punjab chief secretary on March 22, accusing Moga DC Sagar Setia of harassment and pressuring for results in favor of specific candidates.
The high court, expressing displeasure over these allegations, ordered fresh elections on March 28 under the deputy commissioner's supervision, with an advocate appointed as observer to ensure fairness.
Reactions from Political Leaders Post-Election
Baghapurana MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand expressed confidence in his side's majority from the outset, accusing the Akali Dal of making false allegations of high-handedness. He emphasized that the polling was transparent, conducted in the presence of a court-appointed observer, making the results evident to all.
Akali leader Tirath Singh Mahla asserted that his party's 13 members remained united post-election and vowed to identify those involved in cross-voting. He claimed that SAD had proposed Congress leader Charanjit Kaur for vice-chairperson and supported her, but alleged that Congress members voted for AAP's chairperson candidate despite receiving Akali backing during the vice-chairperson election.
Key Takeaways from the Election Outcome
- AAP: Sarabjit Kaur won with 14 votes, benefiting from Congress support in a court-supervised election with a High Court-appointed observer. AAP holds eight elected members in the block samiti.
- Congress: Despite only three members, Charanjit Kaur was elected vice-chairperson, playing a decisive role by supporting AAP in the chairperson election, though accused by SAD of cross-voting.
- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): Entered with 13 members but secured only 12 votes, raising objections to MLA voting rights without a court stay, and plans to probe cross-voting allegations.
