MC polls: Congress-BJP supporters clash in Chandigarh

Chandigarh: A commotion unfolded over the election of the Municipal Corporation Mayor in Chandigarh on Tuesday evening. Following an alliance with AAP, Congress councilor Jasvir Bunty visited the corporation office to withdraw his mayoral nomination. Upon learning of this, his father also arrived.

Alleging that his son was kidnapped by the Congress and held at a Ropar hotel without permission to return home, Jasveer Bunty’s father contacted SSP Kanwardeep Kaur from outside the corporation office. Subsequently, the SSP, accompanied by the police force, intervened.

Upon discovering the turmoil, Chandigarh BJP workers arrived, causing a disturbance. The police intervened, halting them at the municipal corporation gate. BJP workers accused the Congress of kidnapping their councillors, alleging protection by the Punjab Police and attempts at intimidation. Outside, they chanted Jai Shri Ram slogans.

Congress supporters later joined the scene, leading to clashes marked by physical altercations. The police intervened, separating and dispersing the two groups.

A decision was made by the police to escort Councilor Bunty to his home instead of allowing the Congress to take him to Ropar. Consequently, Bunty was released to his house under police security.