PANCHKULA, November 4, 2024 — A day before the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor elections in Panchkula, three municipal councillors joined the BJP on Sunday, a strategic move boosting the ruling party’s strength in the 20-member Municipal Corporation House.
In a formal induction at Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s residence, Congress councillor Suneet Singla rejoined his former party, the BJP. Singla was accompanied by JJP councillor Sushil Garg and independent councillor Omwati Punia, who also pledged their support to the BJP.
Chief Minister Saini welcomed each councillor into the party by presenting them with BJP’s signature saffron scarf.
This shift increases the BJP’s tally in the council to 11 members, leaving Congress with nine. With the addition, the BJP now holds a majority in the House and a clear upper hand in the upcoming elections. BJP Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, who holds the deciding vote in the event of a tie, further strengthens the party’s position.
The elections for mayor and councillors were held in 2020, but no nominations were made for the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions.
Reports suggest that the BJP withheld nominations then to avoid any internal dissent. Now, with a strengthened majority, the party appears ready to fill these roles.
Chief Minister Saini, joined by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, state BJP general secretary Surendra Punia, and district president Deepak Sharma, expressed confidence in the party’s growth.
“This is our third consecutive majority in Haryana, and it’s thanks to the dedication of our workers and leaders,” Saini said.
Assuring the new councillors of respect within the party, he added, “With your support, we’re committed to building a ‘non-stop Haryana’ and advancing the state’s comprehensive development.”
The local administration has appointed duty magistrates to oversee the election process, with the municipal commissioner set to preside.
