In the Chandigarh mayoral polls, BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar won against AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar, who was in alliance with the Congress. Sonkar received 16 votes, Kumar got 12, and eight votes were deemed invalid.
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Introduction
On Tuesday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councilor Manoj Sonkar secured victory in the mayoral election for Chandigarh, dealing a significant blow to the Opposition INDIA bloc. In this electoral contest, Sonkar emerged victorious over Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) mayoral candidate Kuldeep Kumar. Out of the 35-member Chandigarh municipal corporation, Sonkar gets support from 16 votes, while the alliance of AAP and Congress managed to secure 12 votes. Notably, eight votes were deemed invalid, adding an interesting element to the election results.
Why were these polls deferred to Tuesday?
The elections, initially set for January 18, were postponed just moments before councilors were set to vote due to the ill health of the presiding officer, Anil Masih. This sudden change of plans led to extensive protests by opposition members, who claimed that the BJP had manipulated the situation to its advantage.
The voting and vote counting took place on Tuesday following the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These events hold importance because members of the opposition INDIA bloc, Congress, and AAP collaborated to participate in the elections. In a calculated move, AAP competed for the mayor’s position, while Congress put forward candidates for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor roles.
Election Controversy
AAP and Congress Take Legal Action Amid Allegations of Foul Play and Manipulation
In response to the controversy surrounding the recent mayoral election in Chandigarh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress have filed a petition in the Punjab-Haryana High Court, seeking an urgent hearing. They express concerns about the integrity of the election process and aim to bring alleged irregularities and foul play to the court’s attention. The petition is scheduled for possible consideration tomorrow.
The dispute arose when the presiding officer declared eight votes invalid, leading to the victory of BJP candidate Manoj Sonkar. AAP and Congress accuse the presiding officer, Anil Masih, of manipulating ballots, sparking immediate protests.
During the mayoral elections, Sonkar secured 16 votes, surpassing AAP’s Kuldeep Kumar, who received 12 votes, with eight declared invalid. AAP and Congress councilors immediately protested, alleging foul play by the BJP.
Accusations were directed at Anil Masih, with claims of ballot manipulation during the counting process. The footage allegedly showed him marking some ballots, raising concerns about the overall integrity of the election.
Invalid votes can result from various issues, including marks on the ballot that compromise voter secrecy. AAP and Congress demand immediate action against Masih, characterizing the incident as unconstitutional and illegal, and labeling the mayoral elections as treasonous.
Election Mayoral Polls: A Closer Look at Recent Political Twists
In the spotlight in recent years, the Chandigarh mayor polls have become a captivating saga of political twists and turns. Let’s rewind to 2022 when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) surprised everyone with a robust performance in the Punjab Assembly elections. Things took an interesting turn in the Chandigarh corporation polls as the AAP clinched 14 seats. However, their lead was trimmed to 13 when a Congress councilor switched sides to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The mayoral election that followed added another layer of drama. With one vote declared invalid, the BJP emerged victorious, showcasing the delicate balance of power in the local political landscape.
Fast forward to 2023, and the political scene continued to unfold. The Congress opted to abstain from voting, putting the BJP in a favorable position. Their advantage was further solidified as Congress councilor Gurcharan Singh shifted allegiance to the BJP. Meanwhile, an AAP councilor, Taruna, moved to the Congress, creating a complex web of party affiliations.
These events highlight the fluid nature of alliances and party dynamics in Chandigarh’s political theater, making the mayor polls a closely observed and strategically significant aspect of the region’s political landscape.
Some details about Manoj Sonkar
Manoj Sonkar, a 39-year-old BJP councilor in Chandigarh, stood as the sole mayoral candidate from the party and belongs to the Schedule Caste (SC). Despite completing his education up to Class 7, Sonkar has become a prominent figure in Chandigarh. It’s reported that he is involved in running a liquor business.
