New Delhi: In an unexpected turn of events within the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, Manoj Sonkar, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, tendered his resignation as the Chandigarh mayor late Sunday night. This development unfolded merely a day ahead of the Supreme Courts slated hearing on a petition highlighting irregularities during the recent mayoral elections. The move by Sonkar follows the resignations of three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councilors – Punam Devi, Neha Musawat, and Gurcharan Kala – who had previously gone incommunicado and then emerged to join the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with the AAP leadership.Chandigarh BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra confirmed that Manoj Sonkar formally submitted his resignation to the municipal commissioner, acknowledging the impending judicial scrutiny regarding the mayoral polls.Reposing faith in @BJP4India , @AamAadmiParty councillors from Chandigarh Punam Devi, Neha Musavat, Gurcharan Kala join BJP in the presence of Honble National General Secretary @TawdeVinod Ji & Ex President @arunsoodbjp ji.The BJP Family grows everyday. pic.twitter.com/o5LU5wV368— Tajinder Singh Sran (@TajinderSTS) February 18, 2024Allegations of ballot tamperingThe backdrop to these resignations was the controversy surrounding alleged defacement of ballot papers during the mayoral elections, with both the Congress and AAP pointing fingers at the presiding officer, Anil Masih. A viral video purportedly showing Masih tampering with eight votes during the counting process on January 30 added fuel to the allegations, prompting stern scrutiny from the Supreme Court.During the vote tally, Manoj Sonkar secured 16 votes, while Kuldeep Dhalor of the AAP-Congress alliance garnered 12 votes. Notably, eight of the 36 total votes were invalidated.On February 5, the Supreme Court rebuked Masih, unequivocally condemning his actions as a blatant defacement of the ballot papers, tantamount to a murder and mockery of democracy. The court scheduled the matter for further examination on February 19.3 AAP councilors transit to BJPPunam Devi and Neha Musawat, former AAP councilors, cited disillusionment with the AAPs leadership and the allure of Prime Minister Narendra Modis governance as reasons for defecting to the BJP. They accused the AAP of making hollow promises and embraced the BJPs ideology, echoing sentiments of admiration for Modis governance.With these defections, the BJP now commands a majority of 19 votes in the 36-member municipal house, significantly tilting the balance of power in its favor for future mayoral polls. Conversely, the AAP-Congress alliance finds itself in a diminished position with 17 votes, signaling a setback in their political influence within the corporation.
