How Did BJP Secure the Mayor's Position Again in Chandigarh?
Synopsis
On January 29, the BJP solidified its dominance in Chandigarh's mayoral elections with Saurabh Joshi's victory. This marks their fourth consecutive win, highlighting shifting political dynamics in the city. With key roles filled by BJP members, the future of Chandigarh's leadership looks set. Discover the implications of this election on local governance.
Key Takeaways
The BJP retains the mayoral seat in Chandigarh.
Saurabh Joshi is the newly elected Mayor.
The election saw a shift from secret ballot to a show of hands.
Cross-voting played a significant role in the election outcome.
Political alliances in the region are evolving.
Chandigarh, Jan 29 (NationPress) On Thursday, the BJP successfully maintained its grip on the Mayor's position in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. Councillor Saurabh Joshi triumphed in a competitive three-way race, clinching 18 votes out of 36.
This election marks his tenure as the final mayor before the corporation's five-year term concludes in December.
Alongside Joshi, BJP councillor Suman Sharma was selected as the Deputy Mayor, while Jasmanpreet Singh took on the role of Senior Deputy Mayor, both receiving 18 votes each as well.
The BJP has now secured the mayoral position for the fourth consecutive time. In contrast, AAP candidate Yogesh Dhingra garnered 11 votes, and Congress's Gurpreet Singh Gabbi managed seven.
Historically, the INDIA bloc, comprising Congress and AAP, competed together in previous elections. However, this time they chose to run independently. Both parties had previously formed an alliance in Chandigarh ahead of the 2024 mayoral elections, enabling them to secure mayoral and Lok Sabha seats. Yet, they faced defeat against the BJP in the 2025 election.
In the 35-member assembly, where no anti-defection law exists, the BJP holds 18 councillor seats, while AAP has 11 and Congress has six. Local Congress MP Manish Tewari, an ex officio member, has voting rights.
Despite lacking a clear majority, the BJP has managed to win the mayoral election three times in the last four years, largely due to cross-voting and shifts in allegiance.
Recently, BJP's strength increased to 18 as two AAP councillors — Poonam and Suman Sharma — switched parties.
Unlike prior elections, this mayoral election was conducted through a show of hands, a shift from the traditional secret ballot method. This change was implemented following an amendment to Regulation 6 of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996, authorized by Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria last July to mitigate cross-voting and ballot manipulation.
Point of View
The BJP's consistent victories in local elections, such as this recent mayoral win in Chandigarh, reflect strategic political maneuvering and shifting allegiances among councillors. As local governance continues to evolve, these developments warrant close attention from both political analysts and the public alike.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was elected as the Mayor of Chandigarh?
Saurabh Joshi from the BJP was elected as the Mayor of Chandigarh.
How many votes did Saurabh Joshi receive?
Saurabh Joshi received 18 votes in total.
What positions were filled alongside the Mayor?
Suman Sharma was elected Deputy Mayor, and Jasmanpreet Singh was elected Senior Deputy Mayor.
What changes occurred in the voting process?
The mayoral election was conducted via a show of hands instead of a secret ballot.
What is the significance of this election for the BJP?
This marks the BJP's fourth consecutive win in the Chandigarh mayoral elections, showcasing their political strength.
