BJP Secures Mayoral Victory in Chandigarh Election, Defeating AAP-Congress Alliance Through Cross-Voting

The BJP secured a significant win in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, defeating the AAP-Congress alliance. Despite the alliance's majority, BJP's Harpreet Kaur Babla became the new mayor, highlighting cross-voting. The AAP-Congress combine did, however, secure the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions. This election was closely contested between BJP and the AAP-Congress coalition.

In the mayoral race, Babla received 19 votes, while AAP's Prem Lata got 17. The presiding officer, Ramneek Singh Bedi, announced the results. The BJP celebrated Babla's victory outside the Municipal Corporation building. Despite losing two key posts, BJP gained an extra vote, suggesting cross-voting occurred.

Chandigarh Mayoral Election Results

Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Bunty won as senior deputy mayor by defeating BJP's Bimla Dubey with 19 votes to 17. Similarly, Congress's Taruna Mehta became deputy mayor after beating BJP's Lakhbir Singh Billu by the same margin. The election results were surprising given the alliance's numerical advantage in the 35-member house.

The Chandigarh MC comprises 13 AAP councillors and six from Congress. The BJP holds 16 seats. Additionally, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has voting rights as an ex-officio member. Tewari expressed disappointment over not winning all three posts and called for action against those who violated coalition agreements.

Reactions to Election Outcomes

Chandigarh BJP president Jitender Pal Malhotra expressed confidence in their victory. Sanjay Tandon, a senior BJP leader, accused Congress of betraying AAP by not supporting its candidate. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Congress president Harmohinder Singh Lucky acknowledged cross-voting and vowed to identify those responsible.

Lucky stated that strict measures would be taken against anyone involved in cross-voting from either party. He emphasised that such betrayals would not be tolerated and promised to address the issue thoroughly.

Polling for the mayoral post began at 11:20 am and concluded by 12:19 pm in the assembly hall of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The Supreme Court had appointed Justice (retd) Jaishree Thakur as an independent observer for this election, ensuring fairness amid tight security around the MC building.

In February 2024, the Supreme Court declared AAP councillor Kuldeep Kumar as mayor after overturning a previous result favouring BJP's Manoj Sonkar due to ballot tampering allegations. This decision set a precedent for transparency in future elections.

After assuming office, Harpreet Kaur Babla thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders for their support. She criticised the Congress-AAP alliance as deceptive and pledged to develop Chandigarh comprehensively. Babla aims to make Chandigarh a leading city globally.

Babla described her victory as significant and claimed it reflected public sentiment that only a BJP mayor could drive Chandigarh's progress effectively. Her focus will be on improving infrastructure like roads, parks, and street lights over the next year.

Manish Tewari commented on social media about his wish for a clean sweep in all three positions but acknowledged only securing two out of three posts. He stressed identifying those who undermined coalition loyalty and addressing political immorality in Chandigarh politics without delay.