In a significant blow to the Congress party in Amritsar’s mayoral election, two of its councillors -- Shivani from Ward No. 79 and Dr Avatar from Ward No. 72 -- have defected to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The switch took place in Chandigarh in the presence of AAP leader Aman Arora and Mayor Jitendra Singh Moti Bhatiya.

The development complicates Congress’ position in an ongoing legal battle in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where the party had challenged the mayoral election process, alleging that despite having a majority, AAP secured the mayor’s post through collusion with officials.

With the defection of the two councillors, Congress’ claim to a majority in the Amritsar Municipal Corporation weakens, making it harder to substantiate their case in court.

The municipal election results had already created a complex scenario due to no single party securing a clear majority. Congress won 40 seats, AAP secured 24, BJP 9, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) took 4, and 8 independent candidates were elected.

Despite Congress having the highest number of councillors, AAP’s Jitendra Singh Moti Bhatiya was declared mayor, Priyanka Sharma as senior deputy mayor, and Anita Rani as deputy mayor on January 27, 2025.

Congress has accused AAP of manipulating the election process, claiming that AAP councillors did not take the oath during the swearing-in ceremony, as evidenced by video and CCTV footage recorded under court orders.

The party alleges that AAP disregarded judicial directives to secure the election in its favour. Additionally, Congress claims that a meeting involving AAP leaders and municipal officials, including officer Rajinder Sharma, was held at Amritsar’s MK Hotel before the election, hinting at coordinated efforts to influence the outcome.

Similar allegations of irregularities have been raised regarding elections in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwara, and other districts.