AAP Secures Faridkot MC Presidency with Cross-Party Support
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken control of the Faridkot Municipal Council (MC) after its official candidate, Baljinder Singh “Babbu” Ahuja, was elected President. Despite an internal rebellion that threatened the party’s chances, Ahuja secured victory by drawing support from Congress councillors, according to a Tribune News Service report.
Out of the 25 elected municipal wards, a total of 26 votes were eligible, including that of the local AAP MLA. In the MC elections, no party had secured a majority. AAP won 9 seats, Congress 8, SAD(B) 7, and one Independent was elected. Ahuja consolidated 14 councillors along with the MLA’s vote to achieve a winning majority, while SAD(B) nominee Vikas Vicki garnered 7 votes and AAP rebel Satnam Singh pulled 4 votes.
Internal Rebellion Threatens AAP's Plans
The election was marred by infighting within the local AAP camp. A faction led by AAP councillor Satnam Singh openly defied the party leadership to stake his claim to the presidency. This mutiny threatened to derail the ruling party’s ambitions, as the rebel faction could have split the vote.
However, a surprise realignment occurred when Congress councillors stepped in to vote for Ahuja, effectively neutralizing the rebellion. This cross-party support allowed AAP to retain the presidency despite its internal divisions.
Factionalism Delays Deputy Posts Elections
While external help secured the presidential seat, the peace was short-lived. When the floor opened to elect the Senior Vice President and Vice President, the internal rift within AAP widened. An uproar, slogan-shouting, and a collapse of consensus between competing factions brought the proceedings to a halt.
To prevent a law-and-order failure in the council hall, the electoral officer and local administration indefinitely postponed the elections for both deputy positions. The development highlights the ongoing factionalism within AAP in Faridkot.
Impact on Local Governance
The election results underscore the fragmented political landscape in Faridkot, where no party holds a clear majority. AAP’s reliance on Congress support may shape future alliances and governance decisions. The postponed deputy elections add uncertainty to the council’s functioning.
