Sarwara poised to give BJP a tough fight in Ambala MC polls

As the BJP remains confident of securing a majority in the upcoming Municipal Council elections in Ambala Sadar, Independent leader Chitra Sarwara is once again gearing up to pose a significant challenge to the ruling party. Despite the Congress opting out of the contest, Sarwara is determined to make the electoral battle intense.

Only two candidates are in the race for the post of Municipal Council chairperson — BJP’s Swaran Kaur and Independent candidate Mandeep Kaur, who is backed by Chitra Sarwara. Of the 32 wards, BJP has already secured one uncontested victory in Ward-24, while elections in the remaining 31 wards and for the chairperson’s post are expected to be closely contested.

Chitra Sarwara, who was the runner-up in the last Assembly elections against BJP heavyweight Anil Vij, has thrown her weight behind 30 ward candidates and the chairperson’s race.

“We have been getting support from all the wards and sections of society, and like the Assembly elections, we are contesting with full strength,” Sarwara said. “We will raise issues of corruption, sanitation, property IDs, NDC and pending projects during the election. Our candidates will give tough competition to the BJP and secure victories in their respective wards.”

On the other hand, BJP district president Mandeep Rana expressed confidence in the party’s performance, citing the development work carried out under Cabinet Minister Anil Vij.

“Anil Vij has worked hard and brought a number of development projects for the welfare of the people of Ambala Cantonment,” said Rana. “People have seen the progress and we are confident that on the basis of Vij’s work and Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s policies, Ambala will again vote for BJP. The party will win with a majority. The Congress is nowhere. Its Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh has shown no interest in supporting the party in Ambala Cantonment. Even in the Ambala City mayoral election, the Congress’s infighting will be visible.”

Meanwhile, Congress workers in Ambala Sadar find themselves in a dilemma due to the party’s absence from the electoral fray. Onkarnath Paruthi, former general secretary of the grievance cell of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, voiced concerns over the situation.

“Congressmen in Ambala Sadar are confused about whom to support in the election. For the first time, there is no Congress-backed candidate,” Paruthi said. “The two candidates in the fray include a BJP nominee and one supported by Chitra Sarwara, who was suspended by the AICC for anti-party activities. The morale of party workers is low, and we’ve sent a letter to the state chief, Udai Bhan, seeking guidance for the workers.”