Factionalism in AAP over key MC posts

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), after its sweeping victory in the municipal corporation elections, is grappling with factionalism with leaders vying for key positions in the local civic body.

Of a total of 53 wards, the ruling party has won 43 seats —the best performance in the civic elections in the state.

The win, rather than fostering unity, has triggered a tug-of-war among factions, led by AAP MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli and Cabinet minister Balbir Singh. Each group is lobbying to secure influential posts such as Mayor and Deputy Mayor for their preferred candidates.

However, both Dr Balbir and Kholi maintained that there was no factionalism and the elected representatives were committed to working for the welfare of residents.

Kohli held a meeting two days ago with the winning candidates at his residence, signalling his intent to assert control.

Another faction of councillors from Patiala Rural is rallying behind Dr Balbir Singh.

All leading contenders for the Mayor post hail from Patiala Urban. However, Patiala South, which has 28 wards, has significantly outperformed the Urban segment in the recent elections.

This has reignited long-standing grievances among rural AAP workers, who feel their contribution to the victory is often overlooked in favour of the Urban representatives.

The front runners for the post of Mayor are Tajinder Mehta and Kundan Gogia, regarded as taksali leaders; Harpal Juneja, who joined AAP after unsuccessfully contesting the 2022 Assembly elections as SAD candidate; Gurjit Singh Sahni, seen as a close ally of Ajitpal Singh Kohli; and Krishan Chand Buddu, a seasoned leader who has won the MC elections for consecutive terms. The all are from Patiala Urban.