AAP councillor from Ward 6 Bahadur Singh was elected president of the Kurali Municipal Council, while Shama Kalia was elected vice-president on Friday.
The election meeting was held at the Municipal Council office. It was also attended by Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Mann. All 17 newly elected councillors participated in the proceedings, which were conducted under the supervision of the Kharar SDM.
Before the election, the councillors were administered the oath of office, following which the election for the posts of president and vice-president was held.
In the May 26 civic polls, AAP won six seats, the Congress five, the SAD and the BJP one each, while Independents secured four seats.
The AAP councillor, Dr Ashwani Sharma, proposed the name of Bahadur Singh for the post of president. He secured the support of 11 councillors. The MLA also backed him. For the post of vice-president, Pardeep Rura proposed the name of Independent Shama Kalia, which was seconded by Dr Ashwani Sharma. Kalia received the support of 10 councillors and the MLA.
After his election, Bahadur Singh thanked the councillors and said development of the town without discrimination would be his priority. “I will strive to live up to the expectations of the residents,” he said.
Congress councillor Bharat Bhushan did not contest the election for the post of president after Bahadur Singh appeared to have secured a clear majority.
The election also exposed divisions within the Congress camp. Three of the five Congress councillors reportedly voted in favour of Bahadur Singh, along with one Independent. The remaining two Congress councillors, the lone BJP councillor and three Independents abstained from supporting Bahadur Singh.
