In a remarkable display of cross-party unity, elected councillors from the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a dramatic protest at the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation's Zone-D office on Friday. The opposition members collectively accused the ruling party of turning the city's sanitation department into a political weapon.
A Unified Front Against Political Interference
The delegation confronted Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, levelling serious allegations. They claimed that the frequent and sudden shuffling of sanitation workers and waste management staff is a deliberate, retaliatory tactic. According to the councillors, this action is punishment for their outspoken criticism of state government MLAs during recent Municipal Corporation house meetings.
Congress councillor Gaurav Bhatti articulated the core grievance. "As we raised our voice against ruling party MLAs in the house meeting, sanitation staff in our wards in the East constituency were shifted suddenly," he stated. The councillors argue that this practice, with staff being transferred every 60 days, prevents workers from developing familiarity with their wards, crippling basic civic services.
Erosion of Civic Autonomy and Ward-Level Control
The protest highlights a deeper conflict over the control of municipal governance. The opposition leaders alleged a systematic erosion of the civic body's independence, with local MLAs seeking "complete control" over its affairs. They pointed out that while senior municipal administrative posts are already perceived to be under the influence of the ruling party, the management of ward-level sanitation staff was the last domain where local councillors had meaningful input.
This loss of authority, they warned, leads to a direct breakdown in public service. "When people criticize us for dirty streets, but we have no control over the staff, how can we serve the public?" questioned Bhatti. The group suggested that if the trend continues, the authorities should officially instruct residents to direct all complaints to MLAs instead of their elected ward representatives.
A 72-Hour Ultimatum and Threat of Escalation
The confrontation concluded with a stern deadline for the municipal administration. The united opposition bloc has granted officials a 48 to 72-hour window to reverse the recent transfers and restore the previous staffing arrangements in their wards.
"We have given two to three days to the officials," affirmed Gaurav Bhatti. "If our demands are not fulfilled, all opposition councillors will launch a permanent sit-in protest at the MC office." While Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal has taken note of the grievances for review, no immediate commitment was made to cancel the contentious transfer orders, setting the stage for a potential escalation.
The protest underscores a significant political clash in Ludhiana, where the traditional hierarchy and functioning of the Municipal Corporation are at stake, with experienced councillors finding themselves sidelined in key decisions affecting their constituencies.
