The election for the Adampur Municipal Council president was postponed on Tuesday after a clash among councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) plunged the process into political crisis. Heavy police force was deployed in Adampur as the situation turned chaotic.
Election Process Halted Amid Chaos
The meeting to elect the Municipal Council president and vice-president was convened at the Adampur Municipal Council office around 9 am under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lal Vishwas Bais. All 13 councillors, along with Adampur MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli of the Congress and AAP constituency in-charge Pawan Kumar Tinu, attended. Tensions escalated as two AAP councillors—Charanjit Singh Sherry and Kanu—staked claim to the post of president, revealing a split within the party. Senior councillors accused the rival faction of colluding with Congress-backed councillors, alleging pacts to install a preferred candidate. Heated arguments and confrontations led to reports of chairs being thrown inside the meeting hall. AAP leaders outside raised slogans, claiming the election began without videography.
Administration Steps In
Considering the sensitivity, administrative officials halted the election process. Election officials stated that due to the conflict, a fair and peaceful election was not possible at that time. On instructions from higher authorities, the election for the Adampur MC president was postponed until further orders. After the postponement, political parties exchanged accusations.
MLA Kotli's Statement
MLA Sukhwinder Kotli said that as the election began, Kanu's name was proposed and seven members supported him, while six backed Charanjit Sherry. Kotli stated he supported Kanu for the city's betterment. Members alleged the administration did not provide proper videography or security guarantees for a transparent election, leading to protests inside the hall. Kotli remarked that although his party was not in government, the ruling AAP councillors had created a scene and made a mockery of their own government. The opposition faction accused the government and local administration of undermining democracy despite having a majority.
