Lobbying begins for post of Chandigarh Mayor

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 2

With the mayoral poll just two months away, the race for becoming the First Citizen has intensified among ruling BJP councillors. Incumbent Mayor Raj Bala Malik’s one-year term will end on December 31.

This time, the Mayor’s post is open to the general category, and thus, there are a number of probables for the seat. BJP councillors Ravi Kant Sharma, who is the Senior Deputy Mayor, and Shakti Prakash Devshali are said to be leading the race so far. There are other probables as well, who have started lobbying for the post. There are little chances of the BJP relying on experienced leaders like Arun Sood or Asha Jaswal this time. Sood has been the Mayor twice and Jaswal once. However, it will all depend on political calculations in the days to come.

The year 2021 will be crucial for the ruling party as it will be the fifth and last Mayor of the current MC House. December 2021 will see the MC poll after five years.

Party sources said since it would be the election year, they were looking for a Mayor who could strongly pitch its stand with officers. They said most of their previous mayors appeared to be toeing the Commissioner’s line. City party chief Arun Sood said, “The party’s local leadership, in consultation with the high command, will decide on the mayoral poll candidates.”

Though the saffron party enjoys a stout majority with 20 BJP councillors in the 27-member MC House, chances of cross-voting due to infighting may spoil its game. The party was divided in two groups — one led by former city unit president Sanjay Tandon and the other by MP Kirron Kher. However, under Sood, there seems to be some “caution”. Along with the seat of the Mayor, poll for the posts of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be held in early January.

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BJP has a history of infighting

2017: Asha Jaswal chosen nominee; within days of getting elected Mayor, Jaswal and Sood were blamed by Heera Negi for her defeat in the F&CC elections

2018: Davesh Moudgil chosen candidate; Asha Jaswal, along with Arun Sood and other councillors, filed separate nomination in protest, but withdrew after the intervention of the high command

2019: Rajesh Kalia chosen nominee; Satish Kainth filed nomination in protest; lost poll; later joined Congress

2020: Raj Bala Malik nominated; Heera Negi criticised the move openly; showed public annoyance towards MP Kirron Kher