Political equations in the newly elected Paonta Sahib Municipal Council changed dramatically on Wednesday after the BJP publicly showcased the support of eight councillors in the 13-member civic body. The BJP is now in a strong position to retain control over the urban local body. BJP Mandal president Hitender Kumar, while addressing mediapersons at Paonta Sahib, appeared alongside the councillors and claimed that the party had secured a majority support for the formation of the Municipal Council board. BJP councillors Nirmal Kaur, Asha Devi, Rajrani and Sarvashakti Bhatnagar were joined by Independent councillors Inderjit Singh Mikka, Mayank Chauhan and Kuldeep Chaudhary during the show of strength. Independent councillor Mamta Saini later also extended support to the BJP, taking the tally to eight.
The BJP announced that outgoing chairperson Nirmal Kaur had been unanimously supported for a second consecutive term as the Municipal Council president while Independent councillor Inderjit Singh Mikka had been proposed for the vice-president’s post. This development comes after the municipal elections produced a hung verdict, with both Congress and BJP winning four seats each while five Independent candidates emerged as kingmakers.
Though the formal election to the posts of president and vice-president is yet to take place, the BJP’s public display of a majority support has given it a decisive edge in the battle for control over the Paonta Sahib Municipal Council.
