In a significant escalation of political tensions in Punjab's Mohali, the city's Mayor, Amarjit Singh Jiti Sidhu, alongside Congress councillors, has launched a sharp attack against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the local MLA. At a press conference held on Friday, they alleged a deliberate and systematic obstruction of crucial development works across the city, citing direct political interference.
Allegations of Direct Interference and Stalled Projects
Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu presented a grim picture of halted civic infrastructure. He claimed that fundamental projects related to roads, sewerage systems, and water supply in multiple wards have been brought to a complete standstill. "There is political interference at every stage. Development works are being intentionally halted," the Mayor stated emphatically.
He revealed a startling pattern of obstruction, alleging direct instructions from the MLA's office. "We receive phone calls from the MLA’s office, instructing us to stop specific works," Sidhu said. He further explained that while the Municipal Corporation has completed the necessary paperwork and budgets are sanctioned, projects are not being allowed to proceed. "This is against the very spirit of democratic governance," he added.
Councillors Detail Public Suffering and Discrimination
The Congress councillors provided specific examples to back the Mayor's claims, highlighting the impact on residents. Councillor Kamaljit Singh Bunny alleged a stark instance concerning new water motors. He claimed that despite the motors arriving at the waterworks, their installation was stalled. "It is being said that the motors will be switched on only after the MLA or his son inaugurates them. Meanwhile, residents are suffering due to water shortage," Bunny alleged.
Other councillors echoed similar frustrations. Councillor Baljit Kaur reported that development works worth Rs 26 lakh in her ward were stalled. Councillor Dhaliwal claimed that steel number plates sanctioned for his ward in 2022 were still withheld. Councillor Anuradha Anand said her requests for tree-pruning machines were ignored for six months, with officials citing a lack of funds even for fuel.
Mayor Sidhu directly accused the AAP of a "selective approach" and discrimination. He pointed out that works in societies where AAP councillor Sukhdev Patwari resides were approved, while projects in other private societies were rejected or cancelled. He also strongly objected to the new ward delimitation, calling it a "direct betrayal of democratic principles," alleging that several wards were reserved for SC candidates where the SC voter population was negligible.
AAP's Rebuttal and Counter-Accusations
When contacted for a response, the accused MLA, Kulwant Singh of AAP, flatly denied all allegations. "The mayor and the Congress councillors are lying. So, I don’t want to speak about it," he stated.
His son and AAP councillor, Sarabjit Singh Samana, launched a counter-offensive. He labeled the Congress Mayor as "a habitual liar and an obstacle in the path of development." Samana defended his father, asserting that MLA Kulwant Singh has consistently worked for all-round development without any discrimination. He accused the Mayor of trying to shift blame for his own administrative failures. "The mayor has proved to be a complete failure and has no answers left," Samana claimed, citing various development works carried out across Mohali.
The Mayor concluded with a warning, stating that Mohali residents deserve basic amenities regardless of politics. He threatened to take the issue to the streets and every possible forum if the government does not change its approach. This public clash sets the stage for a prolonged political battle in Mohali, with civic works caught in the crossfire.
