Chandigarh will hold mayoral elections on January 29 using a 'show-of-hands' voting system for the first time, replacing the secret ballot. This change follows a 2024 vote-rigging controversy. Both the BJP and the AAP-Congress alliance have 18 votes each, including MP Manish Tewari's vote, setting up a close contest. The mayor's post is reserved for the general category this year. Proceedings will be video-graphed to ensure transparency.