Abohar: High drama unfolded at the Abohar Municipal Corporation on Friday after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Ganesh Sablania was declared Mayor, triggering massive protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillors.

BJP councillors stage protest after mayoral poll

The BJP, which has 28 councillors in the Municipal Corporation, alleged irregularities in the mayoral election and accused the state government of “bullying.”

Soon after the election result was announced at the Town Hall, BJP councillors raised slogans against the administration and surrounded officials’ vehicles inside the Municipal Corporation premises, preventing them from leaving.

Police resort to lathi charge amid chaos

As the protest intensified, police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the agitating councillors. Two BJP councillors were reportedly injured during the incident.

BJP MLA Sandeep Jakhar also joined the protest and sat in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s vehicle. BJP leaders alleged that an attempt was made to run him over, while party workers continued raising slogans against the administration.

A tense atmosphere prevailed inside and outside the Municipal Corporation premises following the clashes.

AAP claims majority, Sunil Jakhar reaches spot

AAP maintained that it had secured the required majority during the meeting, leading to the election of Ganesh Sablania as Mayor.

The BJP, however, rejected the outcome and termed the election process an act of “bullying.”

Former Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar also reached the Municipal Corporation after learning about the incident. At the time of reporting, officials and councillors remained inside the premises, while BJP supporters continued protesting outside and blocked their exit.