Masih said he would withdraw the earlier affidavit which stated that he was reeling under depression and anxiety and wherein he denied allegations of tampering with ballots.

BJP candidate Kuljeet Singh Sandhu wins repolls of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. The result was announced by the mayor. In the 35-member municipal House, the BJP has 17 councillors

Speaking to the media after assuming his new role, Kumar expressed his unwavering faith in the justice system and his dedication to serving the people of Chandigarh.

The Chandigarh mayoral polls have been under intense scrutiny amid rumours of horse trading, causing anxiety within the Aam Aadmi Party. However, the Supreme Court's verdict, declaring Kuldeep Kumar as the winner and mayor of the union territory, brings relief to the party.

The Court emphasised that the eight invalidated ballots in question would be deemed valid, and subsequent results would be declared based on this recount.

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the prosecution of Anil Masih, the returning officer for the Chandigarh mayoral polls.

Before their joining, the BJP had 14 councillors in the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, and the AAP 13. Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher, who is a BJP member, also has voting rights as an ex-officio member of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

Masih, a member of the BJP since 2015 and a nominated councillor of the Municipal Corporation since 2022, holds a temporary administrative role overseeing mayoral elections.

Speaking at the Left Democratic Front (LDF) protest led by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here, Mann said he was forced to come to Jantar Mantar instead of making policies for Punjab.