Ahead of Supreme Court hearing today, Chandigarh Mayor quits

Chandigarh, February 18

Ahead of hearing on the Chandigarh mayoral poll in the Supreme Court on Monday, city Mayor Manoj Sonkar, who was elected amid allegations of rigging by presiding officer Anil Masih on January 30, resigned on Sunday, paving the way for fresh election. Also, in a boost to the BJP, three AAP councillors have joined the ruling party.

Sonkar, accompanied by party leaders, submitted his resignation to MC Commissioner Anindita Mitra around 10:30 pm at her residence. With the three AAP councillors defecting to the BJP, the ruling party now has a majority in the MC House. A party leader said after Sonkar’s resignation, re-election would be held and he would win again.

The SC will hear AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar’s petition seeking quashing of the poll results. Masih is expected to appear before the court and explain his conduct as visible in a video clip.