In a significant blow to the much-touted opposition unity, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, raising allegations of fraud from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The opposition, already reeling from internal conflicts, aimed to showcase unity in the mayoral elections, but the unexpected outcome has fueled further tensions.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent allegiance to the BJP marked the initial setback for opposition unity, and the Chandigarh mayoral polls were anticipated to be a reconciling moment. However, the BJP’s triumph has heightened the existing turmoil within the opposition camp.
AAP Councillor Kuldeep Kumar has filed a plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, accusing vote tampering and urging the court to nullify the mayoral poll results. The High Court has sought responses from the Chandigarh UT administration and the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh.
The BJP’s victory in the mayoral polls, where it also secured the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions, further solidifies its standing in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The Congress and AAP, dissatisfied with the mayoral election, abstained from participating in the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor appointments.
Amid claims of foul play, the BJP suggests the possibility of cross-voting within the opposition ranks. The Congress and AAP alliance, already delicate in Punjab and Haryana, faces increased strain with the failure to secure the top seat in the civic body, potentially impacting their collaboration in both states.
Breaking down the numbers, the Congress held seven councillors, the AAP had 13, and the BJP had 15 votes, including 14 councillors and Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher’s ex-officio vote. With a total of 36 votes at stake, the Congress and AAP were optimistic about a smooth victory, but the unexpected turn of events has thrown a wrench into their plans.