The Chandigarh mayoral election, scheduled to be held today was postponed reportedly owing to the ill-health of the presiding officer. Aam Aadmi Party and Congress councillors protested terming the postponement a ploy by BJP. The Opposition called it a ploy by the BJP fearing defeat in the election.
According to reports, several councillors received messages saying the election has been postponed as Anil Masih, the presiding officer for the polls has fallen sick. Hindustan Times reported that several councillors received a text message saying "It is informed that a telephonic message has been received regarding ill-health of Sh Anil Masih who has been nominated as Presiding authority for the meeting scheduled on 18.1.24 for the post of mayor u/60 (a) read with Regulation 6(1) of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation(Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulation 1996. In view of above, it is requested not to reach MC office till further orders are received please."
AAP and Congress councillors protested condemning the postponement of the election. AAP calls the poll the “first face-off between BJP and India bloc”. While AAP contests for mayor, Congress candidates are contesting for senior mayor and deputy mayor posts.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha told ANI, "AAP and Congress have decided to approach the High Court for justice and ensure that the mayor election is held. It is clear that the INDIA alliance is winning this election and the BJP is losing. BJP has got scared of the INDIA alliance. We request the EC to appoint another presiding officer if the existing one has fallen ill but the election should take place today. We had valid passes to enter the election building, but we were told that entry had been closed as the presiding officer had suddenly fallen ill. To end democracy and free and fair elections in the country, BJP will do anything." Chadha added, “If in this small election, BJP can get so fearful about our alliance, then what about the alliance on national level.”
Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal said they will be approaching court against the postponement of polls. “Had they been fair, another presiding officer would have been appointed immediately if the previous one is said to have fallen ill,” said Bansal.
In the 35-member House, the BJP has 14 councillors, AAP has 13 and Congress seven. SAD has one member.