AAP and Congress to Collaborate on Candidate Selection for Chandigarh Mayor Election: Kuldeep Kumar

Chandigarh, Jan 9 (NationPress) As the announcement for the Chandigarh Mayor election date approaches, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor and incumbent Mayor Kuldeep Kumar revealed on Wednesday that both his party and the Congress will jointly select a candidate to participate in this significant election.

This decision significantly contrasts with the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, where the ruling AAP and Congress, once partners during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, have decided to go their separate ways for the February 5 elections.

Previously, after irregularities were reported during the Chandigarh Mayor election, the situation escalated to the Supreme Court.

Following the court's directive, Kuldeep Kumar was designated as the Chandigarh Mayor.

AAP leader Kuldeep Kumar shared with IANS, "The AAP is closely monitoring the mayoral election. This time, we will appoint a joint candidate selected by my party in conjunction with the Congress. My party is thoroughly prepared, with all councillors united. The party's leadership has conducted a meeting already, and another one will follow shortly to finalize whether the mayoral candidate will emerge from AAP or Congress."

"To prevent the irregularities witnessed in last year's Mayor election, AAP proposed that the election should be conducted orally in support of a candidate. The candidate receiving the highest number of raised hands from councillors should be declared Mayor and should oversee the election of the Senior Deputy Mayor and the Deputy Mayor. As far as I know, my party isn’t pushing this proposal currently, but it could be considered in the future. We have urged the Governor to implement this suggestion this time around," he added.

In response to BJP's claims regarding their chances of winning the Mayor election, the AAP councillor remarked, "They (BJP) consistently make exaggerated claims. Even when they had 12 councillors in the Assembly, they made similar assertions. They are known for their manipulative politics."

Regarding the potential elimination of the advisor position in Chandigarh and the appointment of a Chief Secretary, Kuldeep Kumar asserted, "This change is necessary. It will ensure accountability for all IAS and IPS officers to the Chief Secretary. The advisor role had its merits, but a Chief Secretary is equally important. This decision is indeed a positive development."

On the topic of Congress and AAP contesting the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections independently, the AAP councillor commented, "Each state possesses unique political dynamics. In Delhi, AAP will again form the government with an absolute majority. Arvind Kejriwal will once more take on the role of Delhi Chief Minister."

The Union Territory administration has issued a notification on Wednesday for the elections of the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor, scheduled for January 24.

In the 35-member Municipal Corporation House, the BJP holds 14 councillors, AAP has 13, and Congress possesses seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor. Additionally, there is an ex-officio member, Congress MP Manish Tewari, who has voting rights.