As the clock ticks down on the current term of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (2022–2026), all eyes are on the final mayoral election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is deploying a full-court press in a bid to secure a clean sweep of all three key posts: mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor. The outcome of this high-stakes poll is expected to have significant repercussions for the upcoming five-year MC term scheduled from 2027 to 2031.
A Legacy of Wins and One Notable Loss
The saffron party has dominated the mayoral polls in the current cycle, winning three out of the four elections held so far in 2022, 2023, and 2025. However, their streak was broken in 2024 when an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate clinched the mayor's chair. That victory came after the Supreme Court intervened following serious allegations of vote-tampering. A win this time would allow the BJP to complete pending civic works and powerfully shape its campaign narrative ahead of the crucial Municipal Corporation elections slated for December 2026.
Consolidating Numbers and Managing Internal Dynamics
Confident of its prospects, a senior BJP leader revealed that the party has strengthened its position by successfully bringing two AAP councillors into its fold. "We have consolidated our numbers," the leader stated. "With improved municipal finances and an accelerated pace of work, our aim is to showcase visible progress to the citizens of Chandigarh."
Despite this optimism, the party is not without its internal challenges. Factionalism within the Chandigarh BJP unit could play a role in candidate selection, with different groups actively lobbying for their preferred nominees. To ensure party discipline and unanimity, the central leadership is expected to step in and oversee the process. A party insider emphasized, "Once the decision is taken, all leaders will be bound to respect it."
Focus on Legacy Issues and Public Image
Sources indicate that the BJP is keenly aware of the need to bolster its public image before the polls. A key strategy involves resolving long-pending legacy issues that are stuck with the Municipal Corporation. Discussions are reportedly already underway with sitting councillors and, if necessary, with the Chandigarh administration to seek early resolutions. The party believes that demonstrating effective governance and clearing administrative bottlenecks will resonate strongly with voters.
The upcoming mayoral election is more than just a routine administrative exercise; it is a pivotal political battle that will set the tone for the next half-decade of civic governance in Chandigarh. The BJP's concerted efforts to secure all three posts underscore the high political value attached to this contest.
