Poll din missing with just 10 days left for MC elections

With elections to the Municipal Corporation just around the corner (December 21), the city’s political landscape remains surprisingly subdued. With just 10 days left before the polls, political parties are yet to announce their candidates for various wards, leaving campaigning for the elections eerily quiet.

The nomination process has begun, but the delay in announcing the names of candidates has put the brakes on the usual hustle and bustle of electioneering. This is partly due to the prolonged delay in holding the elections, which has led to aspirants slowing down their activities.

According to a two-time MC councillor, “Electing councillors is a costly and hectic process. The aspirants felt that the government would further delay the elections, but after the ruling party’s victory in the assembly bypolls, they seem enthusiastic and the MC elections were announced suddenly.” However, with parties still finalising their candidates, aspirants are keeping a low profile.

The upcoming elections will also test the popularity of parties like the BJP and SAD, as they may contest separately for the first time. Previously, they had an alliance in all MC elections. Moreover, with the crisis deepening within the SAD, party workers need confidence to campaign for their candidates.

The elections will be a significant milestone for Amritsar, with 85 wards up for grabs. The MC has a rich history, dating back to 1977, and has undergone several transformations over the years. As the city prepares for the polls, one thing is certain – the outcome would also be a litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

Over two dozen Congress councillors including Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu had switched their allegiance to AAP before the last assembly elections. With these turncoats being strong claimants for the party ticket, the old volunteers of the party are already expressing their anguish on social media platforms.

A local political observer said, “If AAP gives tickets to these turncoats, it would certainly make its old volunteers angry and if they are denied tickets, there is no reason for them to stay with AAP.”