Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh on Friday strongly criticized the delay in holding mayoral elections in Kapurthala, warning that he would approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court if the process is not completed within a week. He accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab of deliberately stalling the election to avoid defeat, given that Congress councillors won 31 out of 50 wards in the municipal corporation polls held on May 29.
Congress MLA threatens legal action
Speaking to reporters in Kapurthala, Rana Gurjeet Singh said, “Congress councillors have won 31 of the 50 wards. However hard AAP may try, no councillor will drift towards it.” He added, “If the Punjab Government does not issue a notification for the mayoral poll, I will move the High Court by Tuesday.” The MLA claimed that the delay was causing widespread public inconvenience and harassment.
Impact on public services and electoral rolls
Rana pointed out that since the municipal corporation elections concluded on May 29, no notification has been issued for the mayoral election or the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected councillors. As a result, new councillors have not taken oath and are not authorized to attest any public documents. “People have been unable to obtain various documents, including the domicile certificate,” he said. This situation is particularly critical because the special intensive revision of electoral rolls began on Thursday, June 25. Residents need attested documents to update their voter details. “If they fail to produce the required documents, they can face harsh consequences, including the deletion of their names from the electoral rolls,” Rana alleged.
Political blame game intensifies
The Congress MLA’s threat to move the High Court underscores the growing political tension in Kapurthala. The municipal corporation has 50 wards, and the Congress emerged as the single largest party with 31 seats. The AAP, which came to power in Punjab in 2022, has been accused of delaying the mayoral election to prevent the Congress from capturing the mayor’s post. Rana asserted that no Congress councillor would switch sides, despite any pressure from the ruling party.
Background of the municipal polls
The Kapurthala municipal corporation elections were held on May 29, along with several other local body polls across Punjab. The results gave Congress a clear majority, but the formation of the house has been stalled due to the absence of a notification for the mayoral election. The delay has also affected the functioning of the corporation, as outgoing officials continue to hold charge, and new councillors are unable to perform their duties.
Rana Gurjeet Singh, a prominent Congress leader and former minister, has been vocal about the issue. He said that the AAP government’s inaction is a violation of the Municipal Corporation Act and the democratic rights of the people. “We will not allow the AAP to subvert the mandate of the people. If necessary, we will seek legal remedy,” he stated.
