Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has extended his support to Mayor Saurabh Joshi regarding the issue of mayoral authority. Speaking at the All India Mayors' Council meeting in Rishikesh on Thursday, Joshi expressed his frustration, stating that the Mayor holds little power and that even a peon in the office has more influence.
Tewari's Endorsement on Social Media
In a post on X on Friday, Tewari voiced his full endorsement of the Mayor's concerns about the powerless state of the Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor. He pointed out that since the formation of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in 1996, there has been a deliberate and ongoing effort to undermine its authority. Tewari recalled that he had introduced a Private Member's Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing a directly elected Mayor for a five-year term, with substantial powers in the Mayor-in-Council system, along with a Rajya Sabha seat for Chandigarh.
Call for Government Support
Tewari further urged Mayor Saurabh Joshi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and his colleagues to back his initiative. He appealed to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to adopt both his bills as government legislation, which would empower Chandigarh's political structure, currently subservient to unelected and unelectable entities.
Background of the Issue
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has faced criticism for its limited powers, with mayors often unable to implement decisions without approval from higher authorities. Tewari's bill aims to address these structural weaknesses by ensuring democratic representation and strengthening local governance.
Reactions and Next Steps
The Mayor's remarks and Tewari's support have sparked discussions on the need for municipal reforms in Chandigarh. Political observers believe that if the bills are adopted, it could significantly alter the power dynamics in the city's administration. Joshi has welcomed Tewari's backing and expressed hope for bipartisan support to bring about meaningful change.
