Municipal Corporation Results surprise political parties in Punjab

The recently concluded Municipal Corporation elections in Punjab have left political parties and leaders astonished, as no single party managed to secure a simple majority in several key cities. The fragmented mandates have raised questions about alliances, shifting loyalties, and the eventual selection of mayors in these corporations.

Jalandhar: 85 Wards
In Jalandhar, the 2024 Municipal Corporation elections delivered an unexpected verdict. Unlike the 2018 elections, where Congress achieved a majority and appointed Mr. Jagdish Raja as mayor, no party could secure a clear mandate this year.
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): 38 wards
• Congress: 25 wards
• BJP: 19 wards
• Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): 1 ward
• Independents: 2 wards
The fractured mandate leaves the political scenario uncertain. Speculation is rife about potential alliances or defections to facilitate the announcement of a mayoral candidate. Key Congress leaders such as MP Charanjit Singh Channi, MLAs Pargat Singh and Bawa Henry, and former minister Avtar Henry are pivotal figures in navigating this situation. AAP also holds influence with MLAs Raman Arora and Punjab minister Mohinder Bhagat. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including former MP Sushil Rinku and former minister Manoranjan Kalia, actively participated in the elections.

Ludhiana: 95 Wards
Ludhiana also witnessed a hung house, marking a significant shift from the 2018 elections when the Congress secured a majority.
• AAP: 41 wards
• Congress: 30 wards
• BJP: 19 wards
• SAD: 2 wards
• Independents: 3 wards
The results reflect a changing political landscape, even as AAP remains a strong contender. Ludhiana's political heavyweights, including former MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and Congress state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, played active roles in the campaign.

Amritsar: 85 Wards
Amritsar's election results brought surprises, with Congress emerging as the single largest party but falling short of a simple majority.
• Congress: 40 seats
• AAP: 24 seats
• BJP: 9 seats
• SAD: 4 seats
• Independents: 8 seats
Congress is just Eight seats shy of a majority and may secure the mayoral position with the support of independents. Prominent Congress leader and MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and AAP candidates from urban constituencies remain influential figures. BJP leaders such as Tarun Chugh and Shwait Malik also contributed actively to the election campaigns.
Patiala: 60 Wards
Patiala voters delivered a clear mandate, with AAP securing an outright majority.
• AAP: 43 wards
• Congress: 3 wards
• BJP: 4 wards
• SAD: 3 wards
The decisive win ensures that AAP will nominate the next mayor. Political stalwarts like BJP's Captain Amarinder Singh and Punjab minister Dr. Balbir Singh were key participants in the election.

Phagwara: 50 Wards
In Phagwara, Congress emerged as the largest party but fell short of a majority.
• Congress: 22 wards
• AAP: 12 wards
• BJP: 4 wards
• SAD: 3 wards
• BSP: 3 wards
Independent : 6 wards
Prominent leaders such as Congress MLA Balwinder Singh Daliwal and former BJP union minister Som Parkash played significant roles during the campaign.
Conclusion

The 2024 Municipal Corporation elections in Punjab have produced a mixed verdict, with AAP securing a majority only in Patiala. Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar remain battlegrounds for alliances and negotiations. The role of MLAs from these regions, who are entitled to vote in mayoral elections, will be crucial in determining the future leadership in these cities.

Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru,
Journalist,
Jalandhar city.
Views are personal