Key Facts
In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken control of the Nangal Municipal Council in Una district, Punjab, despite not holding a majority. The council, which has 19 wards, saw AAP winning 7 seats, Congress 8, BJP 3, and one Independent. The election for chairperson, senior vice-chairperson, and vice-chairperson was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2026, at the council office.
Details of the Election
The election process began at 12 noon as scheduled. However, councillors from Congress and BJP did not arrive, leading to a boycott. The AAP councillors, along with the Independent who declared support for AAP, proceeded with the election. The entire process was videographed to ensure transparency. Heavy police deployment was seen outside the council office.
Elected Representatives
- Chairperson: Kiran Bala
- Senior Vice-Chairperson: Ramesh Mahasha
- Vice-Chairperson: Jaspreet Kaur
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who is also the local MLA, was present during the election. He congratulated the newly elected representatives and urged them to serve the city with honesty. He promised to transform Nangal into the most beautiful and well-equipped city in the state.
Impact and Reactions
The AAP's capture of the Nangal Municipal Council is seen as a strategic win, given that it does not have a majority. The boycott by Congress and BJP indicates heightened political tensions. The presence of senior AAP leaders, including Sanjeev Gautam, Chairman of Guru Ravidas Ayurved University Punjab, Deepak Soni, SDM Nangal, and Tehsildar Sumit Dhillon, underscored the party's focus on this council.
What Readers Should Know
Nangal Municipal Council is one of the largest budget councils in Punjab. The AAP's control could influence local development projects and governance. The boycott by opposition parties may lead to further political maneuvering. Residents can expect accelerated development initiatives as promised by Minister Bains.
FAQ
How many wards does Nangal Municipal Council have?
Nangal Municipal Council has 19 wards.
Which party has the majority in Nangal Municipal Council?
No party has a clear majority. Congress has 8 councillors, AAP has 7, BJP has 3, and one is Independent.
Who was elected as chairperson of Nangal Municipal Council?
Kiran Bala was elected chairperson, Ramesh Mahasha as senior vice-chairperson, and Jaspreet Kaur as vice-chairperson.
Why did Congress and BJP boycott the election?
The boycott was likely due to political differences, though no official reason was cited in the report.