The administration announced that the election would be held again following nearly three hours of discussions between senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar, the Deputy Commissioner and the Divisional Commissioner. The decision to cancel the results and conduct a fresh election was announced by the Naib Tehsildar.

Reacting to the decision, Sunil Jakhar said his family had experienced both victories and defeats in elections over the past 50 years but had never witnessed such alleged high-handedness. He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of attempting to set a dangerous political precedent and praised BJP councillors and MLA Sandeep Jakhar for forcing the administration to reconsider its decision.

Earlier in the day, AAP’s constituency in-charge Arun Narang declared councillor Ganesh Sablania as Mayor after the election process, triggering a major political controversy.

The election, which began around 4 pm amid heavy security, soon descended into chaos. BJP councillors alleged that the mayoral declaration was made despite the party having a majority in the Municipal Corporation. According to the BJP, it had the support of 29 councillors, while AAP had only 20.

Following the announcement, BJP councillors staged a protest inside the Municipal Corporation premises, surrounded official vehicles and blocked the Deputy Commissioner’s car. BJP MLA Sandeep Jakhar and several councillors lay in front of the vehicle in protest. During the confrontation, the vehicle allegedly attempted to move forward, leaving two BJP councillors injured.

Police later used mild force to disperse the protesters.

Sunil Jakhar reached the Municipal Corporation office and accused the AAP government of political high-handedness. BJP leaders also prevented the Deputy Commissioner and the Ferozepur Divisional Commissioner from leaving the premises while demanding an explanation over how AAP’s candidate was declared elected despite the BJP’s claimed numerical majority.

Following the late-night meeting, the administration cancelled the election and ordered a fresh mayoral poll.

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