Amritsar-Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjit Singh Aujla has criticised the developments in Punjab local politics after the party failed to secure the mayor’s post in Kapurthala despite having a majority among councillors. Aujla alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party used political manoeuvring to gain control and prevent Congress from forming the municipal leadership.
According to reports, Congress had won a clear majority in the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation elections, securing 31 of 50 wards. However, before the mayoral election, AAP managed to attract support from several councillors, changing the numbers and allowing its candidate to win the mayor’s chair.
Aujla’s comments also referred to Congress strength in areas such as Kapurthala, Morinda (Marinda) and Chamkaur Sahib, arguing that the party had public support but still faced setbacks due to AAP’s political strategy. Reports from Chamkaur Sahib and Morinda had earlier indicated Congress dominance in those local bodies, while AAP made gains in other areas.
The issue has become another point of conflict between Congress and AAP in Punjab, with Congress leaders accusing AAP of using influence and defections, while AAP has presented the mayoral victory as a result of gaining councillors’ support