After SC blow, Punjab’s Kharar MC president to face no-confidence motion

Sources indicate these councillors were initially in Goa and are now stationed in the cooler climes of Himachal Pradesh, awaiting either Longia’s resignation or the showdown on May 16. “If she doesn’t resign, they will march into the MC office directly that day,” a source said.

In a strategic move, Longia has called for a meeting of the council on the same day the no-confidence motion is to be tabled, signaling her intent to fight till the end. Speaking to The Indian Express, she stated, “I am confident that the no-confidence motion against me will fail. Everything will be clear on (May)16.”

Despite her optimism, political observers say the writing may already be on the wall. Once considered a unifying figure, Longia is now struggling to retain support, even from councillors who once helped elevate her to power.

Notably, Longia needs just 10 votes to retain her seat. Yet, the opposition, comprising Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and independents, is believed to have the numbers. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), once seen as Longia’s political backing, has only two councillors in the house.

Adding further intrigue, sources suggest that Manpreet Manna — nephew of former CM and Congress councillor Kamal Kishore — and Neelam, Longia’s financial ally, are attempting to shore up support in her favour.

As the date nears, four opposition councillors have reportedly shown interest in the president’s chair. Should any of them succeed, the fallout among the remaining contenders could reshape Kharar’s local political landscape in the months ahead. With only 8–9 months left in the current council’s term, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For now, Kharar remains a city divided — one camp determined to defend Longia’s leadership, and the other equally committed to ushering in new command.