ASHISHPURI
Kapurthala, June 7:After the completion of the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation elections, the Congress Party, which has secured a clear majority in the House, has accelerated its screening process. The attention of all councillors is now focused on the selection of the Mayor. Political circles believe that the choice of the new Mayor will not only determine the city's administrative leadership but will also influence political strategies and equations for the upcoming Assembly elections.
According to sources, extensive deliberations and screening for the Mayor’s post have begun at various levels. The Congress leadership is expected to consider factors such as seniority, representation of different social groups, and opportunities for younger leaders. At the same time, the decision is likely to be made with an eye on the Assembly elections and the political message it sends.
Political analysts believe that the Mayor’s selection will provide insight into the Congress Party’s future strategy. If experience and seniority are prioritized, some veteran councillors may emerge as strong contenders. On the other hand, if the leadership opts to promote younger leadership, new faces could be given an opportunity.
It is noteworthy that appointments will be made for the positions of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor. Based on seniority, the names currently under consideration include Councillor Tarsem Lal, Councillor Deepak Salwan, Councillor Sonika Aggarwal, Councillor Kamakshi Mahajan, Councillor Jyoti Dhir, Councillor Anil Shukla, and Councillor Neha Ahuja.
In terms of seniority, Tarsem Lal and his wife Bimla Devi have collectively served a five-year term as councillors. Deepak Salwan has been associated with the Congress Party’s NSUI wing, served twice as Urban Block Congress President, and when combined with the tenure of his wife Veena Salwan, their family accounts for two terms as councillors.
Munish Aggarwals wife Sonika Aggarwal has been elected councillor from the Congress Party with huge margin . She is daughter in law of former Municipal Council President Mahinder Kumar Aggarwal and the relative of former Municipal Council president Sudesh Aggarwal, making her family background a significant point of discussion.
Kamakshi Mahajan won the election for the first time. Her husband, Karan Mahajan, is the President of Youth Congress Kapurthala and has previously served as a councillor. Similarly, Jyoti Dhir has served two terms as a Congress councillor and belongs to the Khatri community.
Anil Shukla has won one election himself, while his wife has also served as a councillor, giving their family a combined experience of two terms. First-time councillor Neha Ahuja is also being considered in the screening process due to her association with a Nirankari family, which could be politically significant in the context of Assembly elections.
Looking at the previous five-year term, Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh had given importance to seniority and representation of key social groups. If the same formula is followed this time, Tarsem Lal could emerge as one of the strongest contenders. His five terms of public service place him in a favorable position. Political discussions around his experience and long public life have intensified.
However, the party leadership has not yet given any official indication regarding a final choice. Various groups and supporters have already begun lobbying in favor of their preferred candidates. More meetings and consultations are expected in the coming days.
Political observers say that the person chosen as Mayor will not only lead the Municipal Corporation but will also play an important role in shaping the party’s social and political strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections. This is why political activity surrounding the Mayor’s selection is far more intense than usual.
Among the seven shortlisted names, there is growing speculation that three individuals are leading the race for key positions: Tarsem Lal, Deepak Salwan, and Kamakshi Mahajan. The final decision is expected once MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh returns, which is likely to put an end to ongoing discussions and speculation.
Meanwhile, aspirants seeking the positions of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor are reportedly performing religious rituals, havans, and special prayers, while also consulting astrologers and spiritual advisors. Many are seeking guidance regarding planetary positions and astrological remedies in hopes of improving their prospects.