Chandigarh mayor election: AAP and Congress join forces to field joint candidate

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): As the date for the Chandigarh Mayor election draws near, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor and current Mayor Kuldeep Kumar announced on Wednesday that AAP and the Congress will jointly appoint a candidate to contest this crucial election together. This alliance comes in stark contrast to the situation in Delhi, where AAP and Congress, who were previously allies in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, will be contesting the Delhi Assembly elections separately on February 5.

The announcement follows a tumultuous Mayor election last year, which led to a Supreme Court intervention. Following the apex court’s ruling, Kuldeep Kumar was appointed as Mayor. Kumar emphasized that AAP is closely monitoring the upcoming election, and his party is ready with a joint candidate, chosen in collaboration with the Congress. He mentioned that the party's high command has already held one meeting, and a final decision will be made soon on whether the mayoral candidate will be from AAP or Congress.

To avoid the issues that arose in the previous election, where allegations of rigging were raised, AAP had proposed that the Mayor election be conducted orally, where councillors raise their hands for the candidate they support. This method would ensure a more transparent election process. However, while AAP is not bringing the proposal this time, it may be considered for future elections. Kumar urged the Governor to adopt this approach in the current election. Addressing BJP’s claims of winning the Mayor election, Kumar dismissed them, stating, "They always make tall claims, even when they had only 12 councillors in the Assembly." He also commented on the need to abolish the post of Advisor in Chandigarh and appoint a Chief Secretary, saying this would hold all IAS and IPS officers accountable. He welcomed this potential change as a positive step.

Regarding the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Kumar remarked, "Each state has its own political dynamics. In Delhi, AAP is once again forming the government with an absolute majority, and Arvind Kejriwal will once again be the Chief Minister." The Union Territory administration has announced the elections for the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor on January 24. In the 35-member Municipal Corporation House, the BJP holds 14 councillors, AAP has 13, Congress has 7, and Shiromani Akali Dal has one. The House also includes Congress MP Manish Tewari, who has voting rights. As the city prepares for the upcoming election, the tale of political alliances and rivalries continues to unfold, with all eyes on the outcome of this crucial contest.