Chandigarh, January 30, 2024
Sandeep Dhand (Ludhiana)
In a historic mayoral election marked by political tension, BJP’s Manoj Sonkar emerged victorious, securing the coveted position in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The election, which witnessed the first direct face-off between the BJP and the opposition ‘India’ alliance, delivered a significant blow to the latter as Manoj Sonkar clinched victory by a margin of four votes.
The battle unfolded on a political stage where 35 councilors and MPs cast their votes, deciding the fate of the mayoral candidates. Manoj Sonkar garnered 16 votes, overshadowing his opponent Kuldeep Tita of the ‘AAP’ Congress ‘India’ coalition, who secured 12 votes. Notably, 8 votes were deemed invalid and excluded from the final count, adding a layer of intrigue to the closely contested election.
This electoral clash marked a departure from the norm, as it was the first time the BJP engaged in a direct confrontation with the opposition ‘India’ alliance. The outcome underscored the BJP’s ability to secure a win in this maiden encounter, while the India Alliance faced a setback in its inaugural election.
The election process itself faced its share of twists and turns. Originally scheduled for February 6, the election date was preponed to January 30 following a High Court order prompted by a petition filed by the AAP. The court’s decision came after the administration had initially suspended the election on January 18, citing political turmoil within the corporation building.
The tenure of the outgoing mayor concluded on January 17, triggering the need for a prompt election to fill the crucial position. The subsequent administrative decision to suspend the election, and the subsequent legal intervention, created a backdrop of uncertainty and drama leading up to today’s decisive outcome.
The victory of Manoj Sonkar assumes significance not just for the BJP but also for the political landscape of Chandigarh. As the newly elected mayor, he is set to embark on a one-year tenure, overseeing the governance and development of the city. The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Chandigarh’s municipal affairs under his leadership.
In the aftermath of this electoral clash, political analysts are already dissecting the implications for future elections and the broader political landscape. The BJP’s triumph and the India Alliance’s setback in this contest may influence strategies and alliances in the lead-up to subsequent polls.
As the political dust settles, Chandigarh looks towards a new chapter under Mayor Manoj Sonkar’s leadership, eager to witness the impact of his policies and governance on the city’s development in the coming year.