BJP Achieves Clean Sweep in Chandigarh Mayoral Elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged triumphant in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation mayoral elections, securing all three key positions in a closely watched triangular contest. This decisive victory underscores the party's stronghold in the region and marks a significant political development.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Saurabh Joshi of the BJP has been elected as the new Mayor of Chandigarh, while party councillors Jasmanpreet Singh and Suman Sharma have been appointed as Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively. The elections, held on Thursday, witnessed a direct competition among the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Congress, with the saffron party clinching all posts.
Voting Process and Results
The election employed a new voting method involving a show of hands, aimed at enhancing transparency following controversies in previous polls. Ramneek Singh Bedi, a nominated councillor, presided over the proceedings as the presiding officer.
In the mayoral race, Saurabh Joshi received 18 votes, while AAP candidate Yogesh Dhingra secured 11 votes and Congress nominee Gurpreet Singh Gabi garnered seven votes. Councillors confirmed their choices verbally after raising their hands, and the results were announced promptly after voting concluded.
Political Dynamics and Abstentions
The election was notable for its heightened political interest, as all three parties contested independently for the first time since the current House was formed in 2022. With no pre-poll alliances, the outcome largely mirrored the numerical strength of each party in the 36-member House.
Interestingly, the Congress abstained from the Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor polls. After casting votes for their mayoral candidate, Congress councillors exited the House, leading to their absence during subsequent elections. This move significantly impacted the results for these positions.
Detailed Vote Breakdown
For the Senior Deputy Mayor post, BJP's Jasmanpreet Singh won with 18 votes, while AAP's Manaur Khan received 11 votes. Congress candidate Sachin Galav received no votes due to the absence of Congress councillors and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari.
Similarly, in the Deputy Mayor election, BJP's Suman Sharma secured 18 votes, and AAP's Jaswinder Kaur obtained 11 votes. Congress candidate Nirmala Devi also received no votes as Congress members abstained.
Electoral Mechanics and Security Measures
The Municipal Corporation comprises 35 elected councillors, with the city's Member of Parliament also entitled to vote, bringing the total electorate to 36. A candidate required at least 19 votes to be elected Mayor. The BJP, with 18 councillors, fell just short of the halfway mark independently but managed to secure sufficient support to ensure Joshi's victory.
Voting commenced at 11 am, with provisions for a toss under the MC Act in case of a tie. This marked a departure from the earlier practice of secret ballots, introduced to ensure greater transparency after the 2024 mayoral election controversies.
Robust security arrangements were in place, with a significant police presence deployed outside the MC Corporation building in Sector 17, Chandigarh. The area was cordoned off, and entry was restricted. Senior police officials, including the SSP and DSP, reviewed preparations to maintain law and order.
Withdrawals and Speculations
AAP councillor Ramchandra Yadav, who had filed his nomination as an Independent candidate, withdrew from the Deputy Mayor contest just before voting began. This withdrawal followed an invitation from Mayor Joshi for candidates to announce any retractions.
Earlier in the day, speculation about possible cross-voting and informal understandings among opposition parties added suspense to the electoral process. However, the BJP's cohesive strategy and numerical advantage ultimately prevailed.
Implications and Future Outlook
This triple victory reinforces the BJP's dominance in Chandigarh's municipal politics and sets the stage for the party's governance agenda in the city. The abstention by Congress in key polls highlights internal strategic decisions that may influence future political alignments.
As the new leadership assumes office, focus will shift to addressing civic issues and implementing development projects in Chandigarh, with the BJP now holding all major positions in the Municipal Corporation.
