A day after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained the Mayor's post in Bathinda for a second consecutive term, national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann are set to visit the city on Friday for a roadshow scheduled around 6 pm. The event is being organized as a display of strength following the party's strong performance in the local body elections, particularly in Bathinda, which has long been considered a stronghold of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Political Context
Bathinda has traditionally been a bastion of the SAD. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal's wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, serves as a four-term Member of Parliament from the Bathinda constituency. However, AAP's recent victories signal a shift in the political landscape of the region, often regarded as the political capital of South Malwa.
AAP's Majority in Municipal Corporation
In the Bathinda Municipal Corporation, AAP has secured a clear majority with 35 councillors. The Congress holds five seats, the SAD has three, the BJP has one, and six councillors are Independents. This consolidation of power underscores AAP's growing influence in the area.
Mayoral Election Details
Padamjeet Singh Mehta, son of Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Amarjit Singh Mehta, was re-elected as Mayor on Thursday. Interestingly, during his previous term, Padamjeet was the lone AAP councillor but managed to become Mayor by taking the oath just minutes before the election, capitalizing on a Congress majority at that time. He had earlier won a bypoll to the Municipal Corporation. The elections for Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been deferred.
Roadshow and Security Arrangements
During the roadshow, Kejriwal and Mann are expected to interact with party workers, address supporters, and highlight the state government's development agenda. They are likely to emphasize governance achievements and local development projects. Security has been tightened across key routes in Bathinda in view of the high-profile visit. A large turnout is anticipated at Sadbhawana Chowk, where the Mayor plans to install a clock tower in the coming days.
