Cong councillors contest AAP Mayor’s election

Newly elected Congress councillors gathered at the Municipal Corporation office in Ranjit Avenue today, to show their strength and stake claim over the post of Mayor. The incumbent Aam Aadmi Party leadership and senior MC officials avoided them. Moreover, they were not welcomed at the MC office. The Congress councillors attempted to access the room meant for the elected councillors, but found it locked. When they asked the MC officials to unlock it, their request was denied, leading to an argument with the MC staff.

One of the Congress councillors reportedly engaged in a heated argument with a corporation official. However, Robin Hans, SHO, Ranjit Avenue police station, intervened and pacified the protesters. Following this, the Congress councillors proceeded to the meeting hall of the Municipal Corporation, where the General House meetings are held.

Speaking in the meeting hall, councillor and Congress candidate for the post of Mayor, Vikas Soni expressed frustration over the locked councillors’ room. He stated that despite their presence, the lock was not opened, forcing them to go to the general meeting hall. He warned that if the police used force against the elected councillors, protests would erupt across the city.

Vikas Soni further claimed that the case regarding unfair elections is still pending in Punjab and Haryana High Court. He reaffirmed the Congress party’s trust in the judiciary, expressing confidence that the court’s decision would be in their favour.

He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mayor was declared elected unconstitutionally at the Government Medical College on January 27, despite the Congress having a majority. Even if AAP councillors now attend this meeting, the Congress councillors would still outnumber them, claimed Soni.

The Congress councillors later met with Additional Municipal Commissioner Surinder Singh to present their demands. They requested the release of videographic evidence of the oath-taking ceremony and election process held at the Government Medical College. Additionally, they urged the authorities to disclose the names of councillors accused in the FIR filed over the alleged breaking and theft of cameras in the auditorium.

In response, Additional MC Commissioner Surinder Singh stated that any action would be taken in accordance with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision. He clarified that releasing the videography was not under his jurisdiction and assured that legal procedures would be followed concerning all demands raised by the Congress councillors.

The situation remains tense as Congress councillors claimed that they do not recognise Moti Bhatia as the Mayor of the city and AAP will fail to prove its majority in the General House meeting.