Political tension erupts ahead of Chandigarh Mayor polls; BJP protests arrest of Councillor’s sister
By Ravi Jakhu
Chandigarh, January 11, 2026:The political atmosphere in Chandigarh has heated up sharply ahead of the mayoral elections following the arrest of the sister of Municipal Councillor Suman. The incident has brought the Punjab Police, Chandigarh Police, and political parties into direct confrontation, triggering protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside the Manimajra police station.
BJP Levels Serious Allegations Against Punjab Police
The controversy has emerged against the backdrop of shifting political equations in the Municipal Corporation. Recently, two women councillors of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) joined the BJP, taking the BJP’s strength in the House to 18. On Sunday morning, Punjab Police arrested the sister of Councillor Suman, who had recently joined the BJP.
BJP leaders have alleged that the arrest was carried out with the sole intention of exerting pressure on Councillor Suman to force her back into the AAP fold. Senior BJP leaders described the action as “pressure politics” aimed at influencing the outcome of the mayoral elections.
The BJP has also accused the Punjab Police of violating legal procedure by conducting the arrest without formally informing the Manimajra police station in Chandigarh. Calling the action illegal, BJP leaders have demanded that the Chandigarh Police register a case of kidnapping against the Punjab Police personnel involved in the arrest.
Punjab Police Cites Administrative Fraud Case
Responding to the allegations, the Punjab Police has defended its action, stating that the arrest is linked to an alleged case of administrative fraud.
According to the police, a complaint was lodged by the chairman of a Punjab government department. The complaint alleges that Councillor Suman’s sister was working on an outsourced basis but had not been attending duty while continuing to draw a government salary.
Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered in Mohali, and the arrest was made in connection with that case, Punjab Police officials said.