BJP councillor Saurabh Joshi was elected Mayor of Chandigarh on Thursday following a closely watched election in the Municipal Corporation. Joshi secured 18 votes in a three-cornered contest, defeating Aam Aadmi Party candidate Yogesh Dhingra and Congress nominee Gurpreet Singh Gabbi. The result reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s grip over the civic body despite a combined challenge from the Congress and AAP.
The voting took place amid intense political calculations, as the numerical strength of the House had set the stage for a tight contest. While the BJP holds 18 councillors in the 35-member Municipal Corporation, the Congress and AAP together command 17 votes, including the ex-officio vote of the Chandigarh Member of Parliament. A minimum of 19 votes is required to win the mayoral post outright.
In the final count, Saurabh Joshi emerged victorious with the backing of all BJP councillors. AAP’s Yogesh Dhingra received 11 votes, reflecting his party’s strength in the House, while Congress candidate Gurpreet Singh Gabbi secured seven votes. Congress MP Manish Tewari, who holds voting rights as an ex-officio member, raised his hand in support of his party’s nominee.
The election was conducted through a show of hands, marking a departure from the earlier practice of secret ballots. After raising their hands, councillors also verbally confirmed their choice. The proceedings were overseen by Ramneek Singh Bedi, a nominated councillor appointed as the presiding officer. Although the Municipal Corporation Act provides for a decision by toss in case of a tie, the provision was not required as the BJP maintained a clear edge.
Alongside the mayoral election, the BJP also secured the post of Senior Deputy Mayor. Jasmanpreet Singh was elected to the position with 18 votes, mirroring the party’s performance in the mayoral poll. Candidates from the BJP, Congress, AAP, and one independent were in the fray for the Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor posts, adding to the competitive atmosphere inside the House.
The outcome highlights the BJP’s continued dominance in Chandigarh’s civic administration during the 2021–2026 term. Despite periods of political volatility in previous years, marked by defections and legal interventions, the party has managed to retain control at crucial junctures. The 2026 result further strengthens its position ahead of key administrative decisions.
With Saurabh Joshi assuming office as Mayor, expectations are high regarding governance, urban development, and coordination within the Municipal Corporation. At the same time, the presence of a strong opposition ensures active debate and scrutiny, setting the tone for a politically alert and closely monitored civic term in Chandigarh.