Political Turmoil Erupts in Shimla Municipal Corporation Meeting
The Municipal Corporation meeting in Shimla turned into a political battleground as tensions flared between the ruling party and the opposition. Mayor Surendra Chauhan suspended nine BJP councilors for disrupting the proceedings, leading to hours of protests. The BJP claimed the mayor's term had expired and demanded the election of a new female mayor, while Congress accused them of obstructing the meeting. This clash highlights the ongoing political strife in the region, raising questions about leadership and representation.
Feb 28, 2026, 09:33 IST
Political Clash in Shimla's Municipal Corporation
The picturesque city of Shimla witnessed a political showdown on Friday as its Municipal Corporation transformed into a battleground. During the monthly general meeting (MC House Meet), a fierce confrontation erupted between the ruling party and the opposition, leading Mayor Surendra Chauhan to suspend nine members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for disrupting the proceedings.
Following the suspensions, the atmosphere in the assembly was charged with shouting and commotion for several hours.
BJP councilors caused a stir during discussions regarding the extension of the mayor's term. After being instructed to leave the assembly, they began chanting slogans, asserting that the mayor no longer had the authority to suspend elected councilors since his term had expired. Their protests continued for several minutes.
The BJP members declared that they would not allow the corporation's proceedings to continue until a new female mayor was elected. The conflict escalated when opposition councilors prevented Chauhan from presiding over the meeting, claiming he lacked the right to conduct the session.
In response, Congress councilors also began counter-protests, accusing the BJP of deliberately obstructing the meeting and adopting an anti-people stance. Later, BJP members informed the media that the ordinance extending the mayor's term expired on January 6, 2026, and no new notification had been issued by the state government regarding this matter.
They stated, “We have no personal opposition to the mayor, but according to the reservation roster, a woman should now be elected as mayor.” The councilors further alleged that Congress's stance on this issue revealed their 'anti-women' attitude.