Congress slams Akali Dal-BJP alliance in Chandigarh mayoral elections

Chandigarh Congress spokesperson Rajiv Sharma has vehemently criticised the Akali Dal for supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the elections for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Describing the Akali councillor’s endorsement of the BJP as a betrayal to the farmers and agricultural laborers, the Congress spokesperson asserted that the Akali Dal is tacitly aligning itself with the BJP’s detrimental anti-farmer agenda aimed at undermining the agriculture sector.

The Congress representative recalled the pivotal moment in 2020 when the Union Cabinet approved three controversial agricultural laws, highlighting that Akali Dal Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal had supported all three laws, thus contributing to the party’s perceived complicity in anti-farmer measures. Accusing the Akali Dal of engaging in a political maneuver, Rajeev Sharma claimed that the party initially advocated for the provision of NOTA, signaling their reluctance to support the BJP.

However, it appears that some enticement led to a shift in their stance, resulting in the Akali councilor’s vote going to the BJP. Sharma called upon the Akali Dal to disclose any agreements made with the BJP, revealing how they compromised the interests of farmers and agricultural laborers. The Congress Party also strongly condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party for its alleged involvement in the horse-trading of councilors from the Aam Aadmi Party and Akali Dal. Sharma criticized the BJP for tarnishing the reputation of the beautiful city of Chandigarh globally through widespread corruption in the pursuit of securing the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. He asserted that residents will not easily forgive the BJP for their actions.