Divided we fall is the lesson for all parties

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 26

Elections for six municipal corporations and 121 municipal councils have set the tone for 2017 Assembly elections. The results show that all parties have a lesson to learn, if they are to win the Assembly poll.

For the ruling SAD-BJP alliance, it is clear that it is only as a united force that they can think of forming government for the third time in a row. The allies need to iron out their differences to outdo the Opposition. Together, the two parties have won in 81 of the 122 municipal councils (including Guruharsahai) and in five of the six municipal corporations. Independently, the Akalis have got majority in 46 councils and the BJP in seven.

After the declaration of results for the six municipal corporations, the jubilation in the SAD camp today was a little subdued. Nevertheless, Akali leaders claimed that they had outscored the BJP.

The SAD has drawn a blank in the newly created Pathankot Municipal Corporation where it contested independently in 15 wards. In Mohali, rebel Akali leaders have spoilt the SAD show with realtor Kulwant Singh’s group winning 10 seats. Though the party had expelled the rebels, sources say a rapprochement is on the cards.

It is clear that over the years the Akalis, who have abandoned the Panthic agenda and fought elections on the development agenda, have made inroads in urban areas. But the Akali leadership should not forget that their win is partly owing to the Congress infighting.

The Congress, which has gained majority in just two councils, will be wiped out in Punjab unless the party’s central leadership steps in to resolve the PPCC leadership issue. The infighting may push the party to oblivion. Had the Congress gone to the polls united under a strong leader, the results could have been different, say observers.