Chandigarh Congress urges BJP to abandon defection tactics in mayoral polls

In response to allegations of potential horse-trading by councilors during the mayoral elections for the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh Congress has urged the BJP to refrain from disrupting the political climate of Chandigarh in attempts to induce defections among city councillors for mayor position acquisition.

Accusing the BJP of attempting to tarnish the city’s clean political environment for personal gain, Rajeev Sharma, spokesperson for Chandigarh Congress, called on educated and informed residents to exert democratic pressure on the BJP. The aim is to compel them to cease efforts to contaminate Chandigarh’s political atmosphere through councilor defections.

Sharma alleged that the BJP’s mismanagement over nine years has led to an unprecedented rise in environmental pollution, with the air quality index now at dangerous levels of 350 to 400 points. Chandigarh, once renowned for its pristine environment, now faces pollution levels comparable to New Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted capitals. The spokesperson expressed regret over the political pollution being spread in Chandigarh for narrow political gains, potentially harming the city’s reputation.

Highlighting the fact that this is the third consecutive time city councilors have had to stay away from the city to protect themselves from election-related horse-trading, Sharma emphasised that such behavior is unacceptable in an educated and civilized city like Chandigarh.

Given that anti-defection laws do not apply to local civic bodies, Sharma stressed the responsibility of the general public to exercise their democratic rights and voice their opposition to electoral and political corruption.

Chandigarh Congress called on Resident Welfare Associations, Gram Panchayats, Industry and Trade Associations, and other NGOs to unite against defections induced by political corruption, urging a boycott of councilors who abstain from elections due to inducements.
Sharma stated that conscious voters can instill fear in the minds of those fueling political corruption for municipal corporation posts, emphasizing the power of informed citizens in shaping a cleaner political landscape.