Punjab BJP accuses AAP of subverting the entire electoral process in urban local body polls

Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday (July 11, 2026) met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party government in the State of misuse of the State machinery and subverting the entire electoral process during the elections to urban local bodies.

Alleging misuse of the State machinery during the recent elections to municipal corporations, municipal councils and the subsequent mayoral and council president polls, the party’s state president, Kewal Singh Dhillon, submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking his immediate intervention to safeguard constitutional norms and democratic institutions in the State.

“The AAP had subverted the entire electoral process for political gain. The ruling party first manipulated ward delimitation to suit its interests, then intimidated opposition candidates, snatched nomination papers and attempted to prevent them from contesting the elections. Later, despite lacking a majority, the AAP government is now installing its nominees as mayors of municipal corporations and presidents of municipal councils through administrative manipulation,” he alleged, talking to media persons here, after the meeting.

He said the delegation presented documentary evidence before the Governor to demonstrate that in several civic bodies where AAP did not enjoy a majority, the people’s mandate was overturned through the misuse of the bureaucracy.

Citing the Abohar Municipal Corporation as a glaring example, Mr. Dhillon said that in the 50-member House, the BJP enjoyed a clear majority with the support of 28 councillors and one MLA, whereas AAP had only 20 votes. Despite this, the administration declared the AAP candidate mayor. Following strong protests by the BJP, the mayoral election had to be postponed, he added.