The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced a significant blow in Chandigarh as its councillor Munawar defected to the Congress along with his supporters. The induction ceremony, held on July 26, 2026, was officiated by Chandigarh Congress president HS Lucky, who welcomed the new members into the party fold. The event witnessed the presence of several Congress councillors, senior leaders, office-bearers, and a large number of local residents.
Munawar's Electoral Background
Munawar was elected from Ward No. 29, which encompasses Sectors 55, 56, and adjoining areas. He secured 6,187 votes in the municipal elections, winning by a margin of nearly 3,000 votes. His decision to join the Congress is expected to significantly strengthen the party's presence in the city.
Congress Strengthens Its Position
Welcoming the new entrants, HS Lucky assured them of respect and dignity within the organisation. He stated that their experience, public outreach, and organisational strength would inject fresh energy into the Congress and reinforce its presence across Chandigarh. Lucky attributed the growing support for the Congress to MP Manish Tewari's efforts in raising public issues in Parliament and to the party's councillors for effectively voicing citizens' concerns in the Municipal Corporation.
According to Lucky, with Munawar's induction, the number of Congress councillors in the Municipal Corporation House has risen to nine. Including the voting right of the MP, the Congress now commands 10 votes in the House. This development positions the Congress as a stronger opposition force.
Claim for Leader of Opposition Post
Lucky claimed that the Congress has become the second-largest party in the Municipal Corporation and therefore deserves the post of Leader of the Opposition (LoP). He announced that a meeting of Congress councillors would soon be convened to finalise the party's strategy and select its Leader of the Opposition. The move is seen as a strategic effort to challenge the ruling party's dominance in the civic body.
The defection marks a setback for AAP, which had been hoping to consolidate its position in Chandigarh. The Congress, meanwhile, views this as a sign of its growing appeal and organisational strength ahead of future elections.
