In response to a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chandigarh has issued a new notification scheduling the mayoral elections for January 30. This decision comes after the court ruled against the UT administration's initial postponement from January 18 to February 6. Notably, Anil Masih, whose supposed illness led to the initial delay, has once again been appointed as the presiding authority for the elections.
While questions arose about a potential challenge to the high court order, DC Vinay Pratap Singh stated that the administration had legally examined the order and proceeded to issue a fresh notification. The elections are set to take place at 10 am at the Assembly Hall of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, concurrently electing senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor positions.
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The notification emphasized that councillors must attend the elections without supporters or security personnel from other states. Chandigarh Police is tasked with ensuring security, preventing any disturbances during the election process.
The high court's intervention followed a petition by AAP councillor Kuldeep Kumar, contesting the administration's decision to delay the elections. The court deemed the grounds for postponement as unjustified and arbitrary, ordering the elections to proceed on January 30 under the DC's nominated presiding officer.
This development unfolded against a backdrop of political maneuvering and alliances, with AAP and Congress forming an alliance ahead of the mayoral elections to challenge the BJP's eight-year rule. As parties jockey for power, councillors have been strategically relocated, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama.
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