ASHISHPURI
**Kapurthala, July 6:** The Congress appears to have entered the final phase of selecting its candidates for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation, with party sources indicating that the leadership has narrowed its choice to three names after days of internal deliberations.
According to sources, **Deepak Salwan**, **Tarsem Lal** and **Sonika Agrawal** have emerged as the frontrunners for the three key positions. While no official announcement has been made, party insiders believe the trio is likely to be nominated as Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor, respectively.
The selection process reportedly began with nearly eight aspirants under consideration. Senior Congress leaders are said to have evaluated multiple factors, including organisational balance, social representation, administrative capability and the party's long-term political strategy, before arriving at the present shortlist.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the consultations have now reached their concluding stage, with a broad consensus believed to have been achieved.
Political observers say the Congress leadership is looking beyond the immediate objective of securing control of the Municipal Corporation and is also keeping the upcoming Assembly elections in view. The likely selection of leaders from different social groups is being seen as an attempt to strengthen the party's broader electoral strategy.
If the current plan is finalised, Deepak Salwan would represent the Brahmin community, Tarsem Lal the Scheduled Caste (Dalit) community and Sonika Agrawal the trading (Bania) community, reflecting an effort to maintain social balance in the party's leadership structure.
Although the party has remained officially silent, political circles increasingly view the names as virtually final. An official announcement is expected on Wednesday following the completion of the final round of consultations among senior party leaders.
Despite the apparent consensus, observers caution that last-minute changes cannot be entirely ruled out, given the unpredictable nature of political decision-making. Whether the Congress formally endorses the expected candidates or opts for a surprise choice will become clear once the party makes its official announcement.
---
# Congress Faces Crucial Test Despite Majority Ahead of Kapurthala Mayoral Poll
**Kapurthala, July 6:** Even with a numerical majority in the Kapurthala Municipal Corporation, the Congress faces a crucial political test ahead of the election for the posts of Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Political activity has intensified in the run-up to the election amid reports of internal unease within the ruling party. According to party sources, some Congress councillors are believed to be beyond the direct influence of the leadership, prompting concerns over maintaining unity during the election process.
In a move that has fuelled political speculation, the Congress has reportedly kept its councillors together at a location outside Kapurthala for nearly the past 24 hours. The decision has sparked widespread discussion in political circles, with observers questioning why such precautionary measures were considered necessary despite the party's comfortable majority.
The opposition, meanwhile, is understood to be actively exploring opportunities to strengthen its position by reaching out to councillors believed to be dissatisfied with or distant from the Congress leadership. Political analysts believe that if any such efforts succeed, the electoral contest could become significantly more competitive.
As a result, uncertainty continues to surround the mayoral election.
Political experts note that if the Mayor is elected through a formal vote rather than by consensus, the contest may prove more challenging for the Congress than its numerical advantage suggests. In such circumstances, every vote will carry considerable significance, and any instance of cross-voting or unexpected political developments could influence the final outcome.
The Congress leadership's cautious approach is therefore being viewed as an effort to eliminate any possibility of internal dissent affecting the election.
Political activity has gathered momentum both within and outside the Municipal Corporation, with all major parties engaged in meetings, negotiations and strategic consultations. The movements of councillors are also being closely monitored as the election draws nearer.
The mayoral election has now become one of the most closely watched political developments in Kapurthala. The key question remains whether the Congress will comfortably translate its numerical majority into electoral victory or whether it will face an unexpectedly difficult contest due to internal challenges.
In recent weeks, senior Congress leaders had repeatedly asserted that none of their councillors would defect and dismissed suggestions that the opposition could engineer any political upset. However, the decision to keep councillors together outside the city in the final days before polling has generated fresh political debate and raised questions about the level of confidence within the party.
Observers argue that the election has evolved beyond a simple contest of numbers. It is increasingly being seen as a test of political management, organisational discipline and the leadership's ability to maintain unity until the final vote is cast.
The coming days are expected to determine not only the composition of the Municipal Corporation's leadership but also the broader political direction of Congress in Kapurthala ahead of future electoral battles.
