Chandigarh Mayoral Election Sees Tight Contest Amid Shifting Alliances

Elections for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor are underway in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on January 29. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are fielding separate candidates. Securing the Mayor's post requires 19 votes. The current political arithmetic shows the BJP with 18 councillors, while the Congress and AAP combined also have 18 votes, setting the stage for a close contest. The election process will involve a voice vote. In case of a tie, a coin toss could decide the outcome as per municipal rules. The Municipal Corporation has a total of 35 seats. While the AAP won more seats in the 2022 elections, defections have since bolstered the BJP's position, making it appear stronger heading into this election. Despite lacking an outright majority, the BJP has won the mayoral elections three out of the last four terms, largely attributed to cross-voting.