In a major development, the Chandigarh Mayoral Election on Thursday was postponed till further notice after the Presiding Officer fell sick. The Chandigarh Mayoral Poll was supposed to take place on Thursday between the AAP-Congress alliance and the BJP for the Mayor and two Deputy Mayor posts. The Chandigarh Mayor Poll is significant in its own way as it marks the first INDIA block vs BJP fight months before the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. However, the Chandigarh Mayoral Election postponement comes as a major twist with the INDIA block accusing the BJP of knowing about the Presiding Officer's health in advance. On the other hand, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has pointed out that the BJP fears losing the election to the INDIA block.
As per a message received on WhatsApp to councillors, "It is informed that a telephonic message has been received regarding ill health of Sh Anil Masih who has been nominated as Presiding authority for the meeting scheduled on 18.1.24 for the post...mayor u/60 (a) read with MRegulation 6(1) of the Chandigarh ar Municipal Corporation(Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulation 1996. In view of above, it is requested not to reach MC office till further orders are received please."
As per reports, because of the irregularities in the elections, AAP had called upon the workers to reach the corporation office. Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has reached the corporation office as well. He said that the BJP is afraid of defeat by I.N.D.I.A alliance. Information has been received that AAP and Congress councilors are going to the official residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Further strategy will be decided there.
"AAP and Congress have decided to approach the High Court for justice and ensure that the mayor election is held. It is clear that INDIA alliance is winning this election & BJP is losing. BJP has got scared of the INDIA alliance. We request the EC to appoint another presiding officer if the existing one has fallen ill but the election should take place today. We had valid passe to enter the election building, but we were told that entry had been closed as the presiding officer had suddenly fallen ill. To end democracy and free and fair elections in the country, BJP will do anything," said AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha.
The AAP-Congress combine will have 20 votes in the municipal corporation house against BJP's 15, which includes 1 ex-officio member in the form of city MP. Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, as an ex-officio member, has a vote too in the elections. Chadha had also played a key role in bringing AAP into power in Punjab.