After Assembly setback, Ambala MC poll a litmus test for Cong

After a poor performance in the previous Assembly election in Ambala Cantonment, the upcoming Municipal Council election in Ambala Sadar is shaping up to be a crucial test for local Congress leaders. Party workers fear a lack of leadership, internal divisions and absence of a strong organisation could hamper their chances once again.

A senior local Congress leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "The party activities came to a standstill after the election. Some major steps should have been taken when several leaders left to support Congress rebel and Independent candidate Chitra Sarwara. The party was divided into two and we are facing a similar situation again in the council election."

Tensions surfaced at a Congress Bhawan meeting on Tuesday after some leaders sought the support of Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh for the council elections. This move did not sit well with many party workers, as Singh's daughter, Chitra Sarwara, had contested the previous Assembly election as an Independent, leading to the Congress candidate finishing in third place.

Onkarnath Paruthi, former general secretary of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee grievance cell, highlighted the party's disarray: "The Municipal Council election will be a big test for Congress. Disappointment has spread among grassroots workers after recent electoral setbacks. Due to infighting and the absence of a proper organisation, well-known Congress leaders are unwilling to contest the council election. The state leadership is responsible for this situation."

Pavinder Singh Pari, who unsuccessfully contested the last Assembly election, defended the party’s strategy, saying: "A meeting was held and it was unanimously decided to give command of the election to Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh. He is a senior leader and a voter in Ambala Cantonment. He has assured us of his support and asked for a list of candidates. We will also request MP Varun Chaudhry to be our star campaigner."

Despite internal conflicts, Congress remains hopeful. Ashok Jain, the party’s convener for the council election in Ambala Cantonment, said, "The party is making strong preparations and we will contest elections in all 32 wards, including the chairperson’s post. While the absence of a structured organisation is a challenge, we are confident that party workers will come together and fight unitedly."