In a major political development ahead of the Chandigarh mayoral elections 2026, the alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress has collapsed, with both parties choosing to contest independently. This sudden breakdown of the AAP-Congress tie-up comes even before the nomination process began, significantly boosting the prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which now emerges as the clear favourite in the elections scheduled for January 29, 2026.

AAP-Congress alliance collapses
The collapse was formally announced by AAP Punjab in-charge Jarnail Singh, who stated that the party would fight the Chandigarh mayoral election alone. Singh said, "There is no alliance of the Aam Aadmi Party with the Congress anywhere, nor can there ever be any alliance. The Congress has looted this country in collusion with the BJP. Against these two parties that have looted the country, the AAP is the real voice of the common man's struggle." He further clarified, "Aam Aadmi Party will contest the Chandigarh mayor election alone, while Congress and BJP will continue their alliance together."

Reasons behind the alliance breakdown
Sources indicate that while a verbal understanding had been reached between the AAP and Congress, both parties backed out before making any formal announcement. This decision was reportedly influenced by the political dynamics in Punjab, ahead of the assembly elections scheduled next year. Pressure from the Punjab units of both parties made it difficult to justify the alliance to the public, given the political sensitivities surrounding the upcoming state elections.

With both AAP and Congress fielding their own candidates, the opposition vote is likely to split, giving the BJP, which holds 18 councilors, a significant advantage in securing the mayoral post. Analysts consider this situation to make the BJP the clear favourite in the Chandigarh mayoral polls.

Congress announces candidates
Despite the alliance fallout, the Congress party has officially announced its candidates for the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections. Gurpreet Gabi will contest for the Mayor’s post, Sachin Galav has been nominated for the Senior Deputy Mayor position, and Nirmala Devi will run for the Deputy Mayor seat. These announcements mark the beginning of the election campaign for the Congress party, even as the BJP benefits from the fractured opposition.

Political implications
The collapse of the AAP-Congress alliance is seen as a strategic setback for the opposition in Chandigarh. With the BJP maintaining a strong base of 18 councilors, the split in opposition votes could make it easier for the ruling party to secure a victory. The upcoming mayoral elections are closely watched, as they could set the tone for political developments in Punjab and Chandigarh ahead of next year’s assembly elections.

In conclusion, the Chandigarh mayoral polls 2026 are shaping up as a high-stakes contest, with AAP and Congress contesting independently and the BJP emerging as the frontrunner. The recent announcements of candidates and the breakdown of the alliance will play a crucial role in determining the electoral outcome on January 29, 2026, highlighting the importance of strategy, voter base, and political alliances in the city’s local elections.

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