Cong likely to go with BJP rebels

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 3

It seems the Congress, with just four councillors in the Municipal Corporation, would try to take advantage of the ongoing infighting in the BJP by voting against the saffron party’s official nominees in the Mayoral elections. Whereas, an SAD and an Independent councillor are likely to vote in the favour of the BJP official nominees.

“We are less in number. So there are negligible chances of our victory. Our strategy will be to beat the BJP by supporting those standing against the party’s nominees. It will be a moral victory for us,” said a Congress leader.

However, Congress councillor Davinder Singh Babla, who is contesting for the Mayor’s post, said: “We are waiting and watching for developments as a lot more is to be held before January 9.”

Former Congress MP Pawan Kumar Bansal said: “We will hold a party meeting to decide the further course of action.”

Hardeep Singh, lone SAD councillor in the MC, said: “The BJP should have given us the post of Senior Deputy Mayor as per the seniority. They have not done it. However, our party will decide what is to be done for the elections.” The SAD is BJP’s strong ally in Punjab. So it is most likely to vote for the saffron party.

Whereas Dalip Sharma, who was earlier in the BJP, was clear about his choice. “I will vote for the BJP official nominees,” Dalip said. The BJP has 20 councillors in the House. At present, most of them are in the rebels’ side, but may fall in line with party pressure as the result day draws near.