A significant political confrontation has erupted in Mohali, with the city's mayor publicly accusing associates of a local MLA of deliberately stalling vital civic development projects across the city.
Open Allegations of Political Interference
The conflict moved from the wards to the public arena on Wednesday when Mayor Amarjeet Singh Jeeti Sidhu, alongside several councillors, held a press conference to level serious allegations. The mayor claimed that private individuals, acting on behalf of the local MLA, are visiting project sites and openly threatening contractors to stop work.
Jeeti Sidhu provided a direct account of the encounters, stating that these individuals walk into wards and declare, "Stop the work, I've come on behalf of the MLA... I'll tell you when the work can begin." This, he alleged, is a clear case of development being deliberately hampered under "government pressure."
Funds Available, But Work Stopped
Adding weight to the allegations, the mayor clarified that the halting of projects is not due to a lack of administrative process or funds. He detailed that for numerous development works—including road repairs, park upgrades, and footpath construction—the tenders have been approved, work orders have been formally issued, and the necessary funds are available in the municipal accounts.
Despite all prerequisites being met, these projects have been paralyzed for months. Specific wards were named as hotspots for this interference, including ward 80, Harjeet Singh Bhola’s ward, Reena’s ward, Happy’s ward, and councillor Anuradha’s ward.
Echoing the mayor's concerns, Senior Deputy Mayor Amreek Singh Somal added, "Private people come and warn contractors work will not start.. you will have to follow my orders." The situation has become so tense that women councillors have reportedly been threatened with legal action merely for trying to initiate development work in their areas.
Garbage Crisis and Threats of Protest
The political blame game has also extended to Mohali's garbage management crisis. Mayor Jeeti Sidhu accused the MLA of intentionally blocking solutions to the waste problem. He further alleged that garbage from surrounding areas is being dumped within Mohali's limits, only for the Municipal Corporation to be later blamed for the mess, thereby damaging its public reputation.
Frustrated by the continuous obstruction, the councillors have issued a stern warning. They announced that if the political interference does not cease immediately, they will be forced to take drastic action. This includes launching public protests, holding demonstrations on roads, and potentially approaching the Punjab and Haryana High Court for legal recourse.
Mayor Jeeti Sidhu issued a final warning, stating, "If development is stopped, we will march into wards and expose how the government is blocking work." This controversy has sharply intensified the political power struggle in Mohali, pitting civic leaders demanding the immediate resumption of work against escalating allegations of state government meddling.
