Chandigarh Mayor Elections Set for January

by The_unmuteenglish

Chandigarh, 26 December 2024 – Incumbent Chandigarh mayor Kuldeep Kumar Dhalor will not serve until February 2025 as initially anticipated. Instead, the city will hold mayoral elections in January, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav.

Dhalor, who assumed office in February after a prolonged legal battle, was appointed following a Supreme Court ruling that resolved a ballot tampering controversy involving the presiding officer. His tenure, initially seen as extending through February, was challenged by political parties advocating for a full one-year term, citing the Supreme Court’s order. However, legal clarifications have confirmed that the mayoral elections must occur in January according to the Municipal Corporation Act.

In a statement, Yadav explained, “The legal opinion affirmed that the Supreme Court did not set a fixed date for the next election. Therefore, as per the Municipal Corporation Act, elections will be held in January.” A specific date will soon be announced.

Under the 1976 Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, extended to Chandigarh, the mayoral election takes place annually, with positions for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor also determined during the session. This year’s election will follow a five-year rotation system that designates the mayoral post for a woman, making it a historic moment for the city.

AAP’s co-incharge, SS Ahluwalia, previously argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling provided for a full-year term. “Dhalor’s term should last until February 20. If the elections are scheduled sooner, we will challenge it in court,” he warned.

Meanwhile, INDIA bloc partners AAP and Congress are aligning for the 2025 mayoral elections, intending to maintain their majority in the 35-member municipal corporation. Currently, the INDIA bloc holds 21 votes, including AAP’s 13 and Congress’s seven, plus a vote from MP Manish Tewari. The BJP, with only 15 votes, is hoping for cross-voting to shift the outcome.

Despite the alliance’s determination, internal discussions are ongoing. Congress president HS Lucky emphasized, “We want a deserving and experienced candidate for the mayor’s post, not just one based on party preference.” A formal meeting to finalize candidates is expected shortly.

In a recent House meeting, Dhalor expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that it might be his last. “As we approach the New Year, this may be my final House meeting. I appreciate all the support I’ve received over the past year,” he said. If elections occur in January as planned, it will mark the conclusion of his term.

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