Congress Accuses AAP of Stalling MC Chief Elections in Punjab

Jalandhar : The Congress has accused Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of deliberately delaying elections for presidents and vice-presidents of four municipal councils—Shahkot and Bhogpur in Jalandhar, and Nadala and Begowal in Kapurthala.

While Congress leaders claim the delays are part of a strategy to pressurize their councillors to switch allegiance, AAP spokesperson Pawan Tinu has dismissed the allegations, stating the party has “nothing to do with the election process.”

Elections for these municipal councils were held on December 21, but the polls to elect their chiefs remain pending. Congress MLAs, including Hardev S. Laddi Sherowalia, Sukhwinder Kotli, and Sukhpal Khaira, have accused government officials of intentional delays and have raised concerns with the State Election Commission and Punjab Governor.

In Shahkot, two scheduled meetings for elections resulted only in councillor oath-taking. Similar issues were reported in Bhogpur, where officials left mid-meeting. In Nadala and Begowal, Tehsildar Harminder Singh failed to appear, citing health concerns, leaving councillors waiting.

The Congress claims to have an edge in all four councils, bolstered by the extra votes of local Congress MLAs. Meanwhile, AAP alleges disruptions caused by internal tussles among Congress councillors.

The standoff continues, with both parties trading accusations over governance and election delays.