First-timer Neha Mintu defeats experienced Jaspal Kaur from AAP

It was a fight between experience and novelty in Ward No. 49. From AAP, senior leader Jaspal Kaur was in the fray and 32-year-old Neha Mintu was contesting from the Congress in the municipal corporation elections. It seems that people of the ward have preferred the young blood this time as Neha Mintu defeated Jaspal Kaur and became a councillor for the first time.

Neha Mintu has done BCom and BEd. She is one of the youngest candidates who contested election for the post of councillor. She is mother of two and is a makeup professional as well.

An enthusiastic and ambitious Neha said her grandmother was also a councillor from the same party. “I am proud to say that I have kept the family’s legacy alive. I am third in the generation to have won the elections on the Congress ticket. Whatever I am today is because of my grandmother’s blessings and my father’s and husband’s wishes. I will always be available for the people of my ward,” said Neha while expressing happiness over her victory.

When asked was she sure of her win, Jaspal Kaur said, “Yes, there was no doubt about it.” Jaspal Kaur is wife of former Senior Deputy Mayor Kamaljit Bhatia, who remained in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for 30 years, but joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) later. Jaspal Kaur, who remained a SAD councillor, also joined the AAP.

Earlier, Jaspal Kaur had told The Tribune that she had always worked for the betterment of her ward and would continue to do so. “No matter which party I am with, I am here for my people and will always work and remain available for them,” she had said.