SAD to Contest All 35 Wards in Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Elections

Chandigarh – September 20, 2025 In a bold political move, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced that it will contest all 35 wards in the upcoming Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for December 2026. The party has clarified that it will not enter into alliances with any other political group, signaling its intent to fight the elections independently and assert its presence in the Union Territory’s political landscape. The announcement was made by senior SAD leaders during a press conference in Chandigarh, where they emphasized the party’s commitment to promoting development-focused governance and addressing civic issues in the city. The party leadership highlighted Chandigarh’s growing urban challenges, including waste management, water supply, traffic congestion, and infrastructure development, and argued that the SAD is uniquely positioned to tackle these problems with transparency and efficiency. According to the party spokesperson, contesting all wards independently demonstrates the SAD’s confidence in its organizational strength and grassroots presence in Chandigarh. “We believe that our team of candidates, with deep roots in local communities, can bring a new perspective to municipal governance. By contesting all wards without alliances, we aim to give the citizens of Chandigarh a clear choice,” the spokesperson stated. Political analysts view this move as a strategic attempt by the SAD to expand its footprint beyond Punjab, where it has traditionally been a dominant political force. Chandigarh, being the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, presents a unique opportunity for the party to build a support base among urban voters, particularly those concerned with civic issues rather than state-level politics. The party’s decision to contest all wards independently may also signal its intent to test its electoral strength ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, where urban constituencies play a crucial role. The announcement has sparked reactions from other political parties in Chandigarh. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), both key players in the city’s municipal politics, have acknowledged the SAD’s entry but have expressed confidence in their own voter bases. Local observers note that the municipal elections could witness increased voter engagement due to the entry of a high-profile party like the SAD, which may intensify competition in several wards. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will be closely watched as a barometer of public sentiment on urban governance issues. Key concerns such as sanitation, road maintenance, water supply, public health, and education are expected to dominate election campaigns. The SAD has pledged to prioritize these issues, promising citizen-centric policies and accountable governance. The party leadership also stressed that its candidates have been selected through an internal review process based on their experience in public service, knowledge of local issues, and credibility within their respective communities. This approach is intended to ensure that each ward is represented by candidates capable of delivering tangible improvements in municipal administration. As the election date approaches, political analysts predict that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will see heightened political activity, with the SAD’s decision to contest all 35 wards independently adding a new dimension to the city’s electoral dynamics. Citizens and voters are expected to closely evaluate the promises, capabilities, and track records of candidates from all parties before casting their ballots in December 2026, making it one of the most closely contested municipal elections in recent years.