Show of ballots: All eyes on Mohali civic election results today

Mohali: Ballot papers for the Mohali MC elections will be counted at eight centres set up across the district under tight security arrangements.District police have been directed to maintain strict law and order during the counting process and ensure that no unauthorised person is allowed near the counting centres.Political parties will appoint counting agents with proper identification documents and coordinate with the respective returning officers.As counting day approaches, political parties have expressed confidence about their prospects. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders appeared relaxed and optimistic about securing a majority in the MC House.AAP MLA Kulwant Singh said, “We will form the AAP councillors’ House and have our mayor. After AAP gets a majority, Mohali will witness significant developmental changes.”However, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) levelled serious allegations against AAP, accusing it of misusing administrative and police machinery during the elections.Opposition parties alleged irregularities, voter intimidation and attempts at bogus voting during polling. They said formal complaints had been submitted to the district election officer.SAD district president Parvinder Singh Sohana claimed voters had rejected AAP’s governance and expressed confidence about his party’s performance. He also accused police officials of intimidating voters and mistreating party supporters.Former deputy mayor and Congress leader Kuljit Singh Bedi alleged violations of ballot secrecy. While former mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu did not contest the elections, he expressed confidence about Congress securing a majority.With all major parties staking claim to victory, focus has now shifted to the counting centres, where the fate of candidates will be decided on Friday.