AAP Challenges Chandigarh Mayor Poll Results In HC, Demands Re-Polling Supervised By Former Judge

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reportedly approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking a fresh election for the post of Chandigarh mayor under the supervision of a retired judge, as per news agency PTI.

In the recent Chandigarh mayoral election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory as its candidate, Manoj Sonkar, garnered 16 votes out of 35. The combined AAP-Congress alliance, represented by mayor candidate Kuldeep Singh, received only 12 votes, while eight votes were deemed invalid, marking a setback for the coalition.

While the BJP celebrated the win, the AAP alleged foul play, emphasizing that all eight invalidated votes were from their alliance. AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed concern over this unusual occurrence, stating that it was the first time in Chandigarh mayoral elections that eight votes were declared invalid. He highlighted the alliance's target of 20 votes, achieving only 12, with the remaining eight being invalidated, without any BJP votes facing such an issue.

AAP councillor Prellata asserted that the party would approach the High Court, claiming victory deceitful and citing irregularities, including the alleged snatching of a ballot from her hand and signaling by Kirron Kher.

BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill characterized his party's victory as a triumph of democracy, labeling it a defeat for the Congress and AAP alliance.

AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal echoed concerns of foul play in the vote counting process, emphasizing the worrying nature of such tactics in a mayoral election. He expressed apprehensions about the potential escalation of such practices in general elections.

While BJP's Rajinder Kumar secured the position of Deputy Mayor after AAP and Congress councillors abstained from voting, BJP's national president JP Nadda hailed the party's victory, suggesting that the INDI Alliance's loss indicated flaws in their strategy.

In the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP holds 14 seats, the AAP has 13, the Congress has seven, and the Shiromani Akali Dal has one. The AAP contested for the mayor's post, while the Congress fielded candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, as part of their alliance.