Parties scramble to identify ‘black sheep’

After losing the all-important post of the Mayor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alliance partners Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress met at the Community Centre in Sector 22 to retrospect at the defeat.

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Sources privy to the discussions said councillors and leaders from both sides accused each other of betrayal during the meeting.

Congress’ Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari and other senior leaders, meanwhile, have decided to exercise restraint and identify those who cross-voted for the BJP to give the saffron party the majority with 19 votes.

Chandigarh Pradesh Congress president HS Lucky said the party was “deeply saddened” by the loss of AAP councillor for the post of Mayor. He said it was unacceptable that a few councillors voted against her, adding that both the parties have taken the act very seriously and have jointly decided to identify the “black sheep” so strict action can be taken against them.

Meanwhile, Lucky congratulated Congress councillors Jasbir Singh Bunty and Taruna Mehta on winning the posts of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He noted that the Congress has now held the coveted posts after almost a decade.

Aam Aadmi Party Chandigarh co-incharge and Chairman Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Dr SS Ahluwalia said those who indulged in cross-voting would be identified. The party will take the issue of cross-voting by councillors to the people of Chandigarh and will take their opinion on how to rid the city of this dirty politics being done by the BJP across the country and provide good facilities to the residents.