AAP councillors bat for Samana as Mohali Mayor race heats up

Mohali: The race for top posts in the municipal corporation, Mohali, has intensified, with a majority of newly elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors backing Sarabjit Singh Samana for the mayor’s post at a meeting with MLA Kulwant Singh.

Councillors unanimously endorsed Samana, citing his experience and leadership to push development works in the city. They expressed confidence that Mohali would see further progress under his stewardship.

Names for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor were also discussed, with Sukhdev Singh Patwari, RP Sharma and Gurmukh Singh Sohal emerging as frontrunners. However, party sources said councillor Dr Sunny Singh Ahluwalia remains a strong contender for the mayor’s post, keeping the contest open.

MLA Kulwant Singh said AAP, which secured a decisive mandate, will form the civic body, but clarified that the final decision on all three posts rests with the party high command. “We have swept the house and will form the MC. Councillors shared their views, but the final call will be taken by the high command. No proposal has been sent yet,” he said.

Councillor RP Sharma said Samana’s third consecutive win and experience make him the most suitable candidate, adding that councillors had conveyed their support to the MLA.

The process of constituting the new house is yet to begin formally, with the state election commission expected to notify results next week. The AAP leadership is likely to announce nominees thereafter, followed by oath-taking and elections to the three key posts.