Two BJP councillors elected unopposed in Karnal MC

Two BJP councillors have been elected unopposed in the Karnal Municipal Corporation after their opponents withdrew their nomination papers.

In Ward11, BJP candidate Sanjeev Mehta, son of former minister Shashipal Mehta, was elected unopposed after Independent candidate and former councillor’s husband Gurinder Singh withdrew his nomination.

Gurinder Singh extended his support to Mehta, saying they would work together for the ward’s development. “I have extended my support to Mehta and withdrawn my candidature for the post of councillor. I will continue to actively participate in the development of the ward,” said Gurinder.

Mehta expressed gratitude and assured Gurinder of full respect and that he would consider his suggestions. “I am thankful to Gurinder for his support for the development of the city,” said Mehta. Former minister Shashipal Mehta also assured Gurinder of full respect and support, though Gurinder has not joined the BJP. His wife was previously elected on a BJP ticket in 2018.

Similarly, in Ward 8, BJP candidate Sankalp Bhandari was elected unopposed after Independent candidates Yashpal Mittal and Vishnu Sharma withdrew their nominations. Mittal and Sharma later joined the BJP in the presence of CM Nayab Singh Saini and state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli. Bhandari and his father, Ashok Bhandari, assured Mittal and Sharma of full support. “I am thankful for their support and assure overall development of the ward,” said Bhandari. His wife, Megha Bhandari, was elected from this ward in 2018.

Meanwhile, Independent candidate Gaurav Sabharwal also withdrew his nomination papers from Ward 19 and extended support to BJP candidate and former Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Aghi.

BJP Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand welcomed the decision of Sabharwal and said Gaurav and his father Jagdish Sabharwal were with the BJP and would continue to serve the party. “I assure them full respect and support,” he added.