30 January 2024
Delhi/Chandigarh
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a stunning twist of events, BJP candidate Manoj emerged victorious in the Chandigarh mayoral elections held on Tuesday, securing 16 votes against Aam Aadmi Party’s Kuldeep, who managed to gather 12 votes. Despite holding the majority, the Aam Aadmi Party-Congress alliance faced defeat, triggering controversy and widespread speculation.
A wave of concern swept over the political landscape as Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed serious reservations about the electoral process. Without explicitly naming individuals, Kejriwal took to a press statement to declare, “The manner in which dishonesty has been done in broad daylight in the Chandigarh mayoral election is extremely alarming. If these people can manipulate a mayoral election, then they can go to any extent in the national elections. This is extremely worrying.”
The mayoral elections, mandated by the Punjab-Haryana High Court, unfolded under stringent security measures. The court’s intervention came after the initial scheduled date of January 18 was postponed due to the illness of a key official, prompting a petition from the Congress party.
Despite Manoj’s victory with a clear vote margin, the rejection of additional votes has cast doubts on the transparency of the electoral process. The opposition’s defeat, despite having a majority in the seat, adds complexity to the aftermath of the elections.
The unfolding scenario in Chandigarh carries broader implications, with Kejriwal’s allegations hinting at potential consequences in national elections. The political landscape is now charged with controversy, demanding a thorough investigation into the accusations made by the Aam Aadmi Party leader. As the political drama continues to unfold, citizens eagerly await further developments to unravel the true dynamics behind this unexpected electoral outcome.