25 days on, mayoral elections in Phagwara not in sight

Resentment prevails among residents of Phagwara, who are eagerly waiting for the election of Mayor in Phagwara.

Even after 26 days of the local bodies’ elections, nothing could be initiated to form the House. The elections were held on December 21 and results were declared the same evening. Though the lists of the winning councillors have been issued by the Election Commissioner on December 26, the Local Bodies Department could not arrange oath-taking ceremonies and elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayors in Phagwara.

However, with the retirement of Divisional Commissioner Pradeep Sabharwal on December 31 and no new officer since last week, the process was on a standstill. But now as Arun Sekhri has been appointed as Divisional Commissioner, Jalandhar, the road should be cleared to conduct the mayoral election.

According to rules, councillors are required to take oath within one month of their election.

Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has urged the state government to ask the Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, to call a meeting of the elected councillors to elect Mayor and Deputy Mayors for smooth functioning of the Municipal Corporation.

As per present scenario, of the total number of 50 seats, the Congress alliance has won 29 seats, including 23 Congress, three of the Bahujan Samaj Party, two Independent councillors and one local MLA Dhaliwal. On the other hand, AAP has 14 elected councillors, but AAP leaders wanted to get the support of Shiromani Akali Dal (3 councillors) and BJP (4), but even then AAP could not be in the position of electing their own Mayor.

The Phagwara MLA said he was ready to present the Congress councillors on one platform. He asked the local AAP leadership to bring their MCs on one platform before public and leave the dirty politics.

BJP leaders said it was impossible for the BJP to join hands with AAP, but on the other hand SAD halka incharge Ranjit Singh Khurana said SAD can join hands with any political party to prevent the Congress from forming the MC in Phagwara.

AAP state spokesman Harnoor Singh Maan said the meeting of the MC could soon be summoned by the Jalandhar Division Commissioner for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayors. Maan appealed to all elected councillors to join hands with AAP for the overall development of the city.