In preparation for the upcoming Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, the Congress and AAP, partners in the INDIA bloc, have decided to run independently, as confirmed by AAP leader Anurag Dhanda. This move potentially favors the BJP in the mayoral elections. Both AAP and Congress had previously collaborated in Chandigarh, securing victories in the 2024 mayoral and Lok Sabha elections but faced defeat to the BJP in the 2025 mayoral polls.
The BJP holds 18 out of 35 council seats, with AAP having 11 and Congress with six councillors. Additionally, Congress MP Manish Tewari, an ex-officio member, also holds voting rights. Despite lacking a clear majority, the BJP has clinched the mayoral position thrice in the last four years, often relying on cross-voting and political maneuvering.
AAP has unveiled its candidates for the January 29 elections, with Yogesh Dhingra nominated for the mayoral role, Munnavar Khan for senior deputy mayor, and Jaswinder Kaur for deputy mayor. On the other hand, BJP has put forward Saurabh Joshi for Mayor, Jasmanpreet Singh for senior deputy mayor, and Suman Sharma for deputy mayor. The Congress has nominated Gurpreet Singh Gabi for mayor, Sachin Galav for senior deputy mayor, and Nirmala Devi for deputy mayor.
Ahead of the polls, AAP councillor Ramchandra Yadav, supported by two Congress councillors, independently filed for the Deputy Mayor position, hinting at potential shifts in loyalties or political bargaining. Unlike previous elections, this mayoral election will be conducted through a show of hands, a departure from the previous secret ballot system that often resulted in close contests.
Recently, two AAP councillors, Poonam and Suman Sharma, joined the BJP, increasing its strength in the House to 18 members. Dismissing rumors of an alliance with Congress, AAP emphasized its stance against collaborating with a party it accuses of corruption. AAP’s Anurag Dhanda reiterated the party’s commitment to fighting against the alleged exploitation of the nation by Congress and BJP, emphasizing AAP as the voice of the common man’s struggle.
