AAP Suffers Major Blow: 2 Councilors Join BJP Ahead of Chandigarh Mayoral Polls

• Two AAP councilors, Poonam Devi and Suman Sharma, defected to BJP before Chandigarh Mayoral elections.
• BJP's strength in Municipal Corporation rises to 18, just one vote short of the 19 needed for Mayor.
• AAP's councilors reduced to 11; AAP-Congress alliance now has 18 votes, matching BJP.
• Voting will be by show of hands, not secret ballot, to prevent cross-voting and increase transparency.
• Defecting councilors cited neglect by AAP and admiration for PM Modi's leadership and BJP policies.

Why It Matters: AAP faces setback as defections boost BJP's mayoral chances, setting up a tight race.