Surprise Mayoral Victory for AAP in Kapurthala
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured an unexpected victory in the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation mayoral election, despite not holding a numerical majority in the House. The win, achieved with support from councillors outside the party, marks a significant political shift in a district long dominated by rival groups.
Political Significance Ahead of 2027 Assembly Elections
The victory provides a psychological and political advantage for AAP as it prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections. It has sparked speculation that more local leaders and councillors may align with the ruling party in the coming months. This is a notable development because AAP failed to win any of the four Assembly seats in Kapurthala district—Phagwara, Bholath, Sultanpur Lodhi, and Kapurthala—during the 2022 Assembly elections, despite a strong wave in its favor.
Breaching Congress Stronghold
The mayoral win allowed AAP to breach the citadel of Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, who has represented the Kapurthala constituency since 2002. Singh or his family members have won the seat in 2002, 2004 (bypoll), 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2022. However, Singh's victory margin in 2022 declined significantly to 7,304 votes from 28,817 in 2017, indicating a weakening grip. AAP is reportedly seeking a suitable candidate to challenge Singh in the next Assembly election.
Strengthening Presence in Phagwara
AAP has tightened its control over Phagwara by appointing Hoshiarpur MP Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal as the party's in-charge for the area. Chabbewal, who switched from Congress before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is leading AAP's expansion efforts across Kapurthala. According to sources, this development has made two-time Congress MLA Balwinder Dhaliwal uneasy.
Targeting Other Seats
The ruling party is also focusing on making inroads into Sultanpur Lodhi and Bholath. Currently, Rana Gurjeet Singh's son, Independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh, and Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira are comfortably placed in those seats. However, Khaira's frequent criticism of the government has made him a target for AAP.
