The Aam Aadmi Party has further solidified its hold on the Bathinda Municipal Corporation with a clear majority. Following a stellar performance in the municipal elections, senior party leader Padamjit Singh Mehta was elected Mayor for the second consecutive term. In a meeting of the newly elected councilors, 38 out of the total 50 councilors expressed their support for him by a show of hands.
This show of support effectively sealed his victory. During the meeting—presided over by the Faridkot Divisional Commissioner and attended by the Deputy Commissioner—all newly elected councilors were first administered the oath of office. Subsequently, the voting process for the mayoral post was conducted. The vote was held via a show of hands, making each councilor’s support public and eliminating any possibility of cross-voting. AAP had the support of 35 councilors.
The Aam Aadmi Party already commanded the support of 35 councilors in the corporation. Additionally, several independent councilors backed the party, making Padamjit Mehta’s victory a near certainty. With the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal not fielding any candidates, the contest became one-sided. With this win, Padamjit Singh Mehta became the first person in the history of the municipal corporation to serve as Mayor for two consecutive terms. Meanwhile, by securing the mayoral post for the second time in a row, the Aam Aadmi Party has matched a long-standing record held by the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Padamjit Educated in London
Padamjit Singh Mehta, who received his education in London, entered active politics through a by-election. He subsequently established a reputation within the municipal corporation through his work style and development initiatives. Based on this performance, the party nominated him as the mayoral candidate once again.
After being elected Mayor, Padamjit Mehta expressed his gratitude to the city’s residents and the councilors. He stated that the public has expressed confidence in the development initiatives, and work will proceed rapidly to transform the city into a modern, clean, and well-organized urban center. He emphasized prioritizing sanitation, traffic management, drinking water supply, sewerage systems, and other essential amenities.
Following the mayoral election, enthusiasm was palpable among supporters outside the municipal corporation premises. Party workers celebrated to the beat of drums and shared sweets to express their joy.
**CM Mann and Kejriwal to Visit Bathinda Soon**
Meanwhile, the day after the mayoral election, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal are scheduled to visit Bathinda. Both leaders will hold a roadshow in the city to thank the public for the support received during the municipal corporation elections. The roadshow will traverse the city’s major markets and thoroughfares, with a large turnout of party workers and supporters expected.
Political analysts believe that this victory in the municipal corporation is significant for the Aam Aadmi Party in terms of its future electoral strategy. The party is now preparing to further consolidate this public support through continued development work.
