KATHUA, Sep 11: In a setback to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), its candidate and former district president, Pt Prem Nath Dogra lost the election to the post of President of Kathua Municipal Council by a margin of three votes as he was trounced by Rajinder Singh alias Bubby, Independent candidate and brother of former Minister, Ch Lal Singh after horse trading by BJP candidates.
The election to the post was necessitated after the former President, Naresh Sharma resigned from the post last month when Party Disciplinary Committee issued a show cause notice against him for his anti party activities.
Out of total 21 votes, Rajinder Singh got 12 votes and BJP candidate Prem Nath Dogra secured 8 votes. One vote was rejected.
The Municipal Council, vice president, Rekha Kumari and Councilor Rahul Dev said that Councilor of BJP voted against the party mandate which is totally against the rule and falls under Anti Defection Law. They said that these Councilors should not be spared and party will take strong action against them.