A major controversy has erupted over the proposed redrawing of ward boundaries in the Mohali Municipal Corporation. Opposition councillors from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal are up in arms, accusing the Local Government Department of a complete lack of transparency and flouting established rules in the lead-up to a crucial board meeting.
Allegations of Procedural Violations
The core of the dispute lies in the process of convening the ward delimitation board meeting, scheduled for December 20 in Sector 35, Chandigarh. Councillors from the opposition benches allege clear violations of protocol. As per the rules, a written letter must be issued to board members at least 10 days prior to such a meeting.
However, Congress councillors Jaspreet Singh Gill and Kamalpreet Singh Banni reportedly received their letters only on December 16. Even more strikingly, Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu, who is himself a member of the board, stated he has not received any written communication at all and was informed merely via a WhatsApp message.
Lack of Data Fuels Distrust
Adding fuel to the fire is the complaint that no maps or supporting data related to the proposed ward delimitation were shared with any board member ahead of the scheduled discussion. This absence of critical information has led to accusations that the process is being rushed through without proper scrutiny.
Congress councillors have pointedly remarked that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, which rose to power on promises of "good governance," is now undermining basic democratic norms and transparency. The discontent is not limited to the Congress; Akali Dal councillor and board member Harjinder Kaur Baidwan has also expressed dissatisfaction with the department's handling of the matter.
Boycott Threat and Political Escalation
Amid the growing resentment, there is strong speculation that aggrieved board members may boycott the December 20 meeting. They are likely to demand that fresh notices be issued strictly in accordance with the rules, effectively postponing the proceedings.
Mayor Sidhu confirmed this course of action, stating, "I have not received any written letter till date. Today, the letter was sent only through WhatsApp. Along with fellow councillors, we will approach the Local Government Department and demand that the meeting be postponed as per law." He added that a final decision would be taken upon reaching the meeting venue.
The board itself is a mix of political figures and officials. Apart from the Mayor and Congress councillors, it includes MLA Kulwant Singh, two AAP councillors Aruna Sharma and Gurmeet Kaur, the Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu, and several other officials. In the Mayor's absence, Senior Deputy Mayor Amrik Singh Somal and Deputy Mayor Kuljeet Singh Bedi are nominated as board members.
What began as a procedural dispute is now rapidly escalating into a sharper political confrontation in Mohali. The outcome of this clash over ward delimitation could set the tone for future governance battles in the municipal corporation.
