AAP Secures Chairperson Post in Muktsar Zila Parishad
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won the election for the Chairperson of the Muktsar Zila Parishad on Tuesday, despite being outnumbered by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the elected house. The victory occurred in the home district of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
The 13-member Zila Parishad includes seven SAD members, five AAP members, and one Congress member. AAP candidate Gurwinder Kaur from the Fakkarsar zone emerged victorious after the lone Congress member abstained from voting. Two Panchayat Samiti chairpersons from each party also participated, as they were entitled to vote.
Invalid Vote and Cross-Vote Lead to AAP Victory
According to AAP leaders, one vote cast by an SAD member was declared invalid, while another SAD member cross-voted in favor of the AAP candidate, securing the win. Muktsar SDM Gurkiran Deep Singh confirmed that the election was conducted fairly, stating, "One vote was declared invalid and was shown to members of both parties, while another member cross-voted."
The SAD's Kulwinder Kaur was elected vice-chairperson unanimously.
SAD Alleges 'Murder of Democracy'
The result sparked sharp reactions from the SAD. Former Muktsar MLA Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi and senior SAD leader Manjinder Singh Bittu termed the outcome a "murder of democracy." They alleged that the district administration played a partisan role during the election process. The Akali leaders announced they would challenge the election in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, claiming the democratic process had been compromised.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, MLA from Malout, congratulated Gurwinder Kaur and described the victory as a reflection of growing public support for the AAP. SDM Gurkiran Deep Singh added that everyone has the right to protest, but the election was held fairly.
