AAP Clinches Amritsar Mayoral Election Amid Controversy

Amritsar : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a controversial victory in the Amritsar mayoral election, held amidst allegations of procedural lapses and protests by opposition parties. The election took place at 4 pm on Monday, following a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to ensure videography under competent supervision.

Opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), claimed that the AAP bypassed proper procedures, announcing victory without a formal vote count. Congress councillor Raj Kawal Preet Pal Singh Lucky labeled the election a “murder of democracy,” accusing AAP of ignoring Congress candidates during the process.

The Congress asserted they had 41 members’ support in the 85-member House, against AAP’s 24 councillors. However, AAP countered, stating they secured a majority with the support of four SAD councillors, seven independents, two BJP councillors, and their seven MLAs, giving them 40 votes before the poll began.

AAP fielded Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia for Mayor, Priyanka Sharma for Senior Deputy Mayor, and Anita Rani for Deputy Mayor. Opposition leaders, including Congress state president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, announced plans to challenge the results in court, citing violations of election norms.

SAD councillor Avtar Singh Truckanwala also criticised the process, calling it rushed and lacking transparency. Despite the uproar, AAP maintained that they adhered to the rules and accused the Congress and BJP of failing to nominate their mayoral candidates.