The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Solan Municipal Corporation (MC) have not taken charge a week after their election, as the Urban Development Department has failed to notify the results in the state gazette. This delay has stalled development works in the city, with the civic body remaining inactive for over two-and-a-half months.
Election Process Completed, Notification Pending
The elections for the Solan MC were held on May 17, but results were declared only after a fortnight on May 31. The Mayoral election concluded on July 2. Despite the completion of the electoral process, the Urban Development Department is yet to issue the notification in the state gazette, preventing the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor from assuming office.
The tenure of the previous municipal corporation ended on April 21, and fresh elections were announced. However, the state government's delays in the poll process have hindered the civic body's functioning for more than two months.
BJP Alleges Administrative Negligence
BJP state general secretary Sanjeev Katwal criticized the state government for the delay, stating that the people of Solan are suffering due to the Congress government's administrative negligence. “Even after the completion of the electoral process on July 2, the MC has not been formally constituted, which has hit development works,” Katwal said.
He added that the unnecessary delay in notifying the Mayor and Deputy Mayor has dashed the hopes of residents who are facing problems in securing essential certificates. The upkeep of civic amenities, such as timely waste collection and regulated water distribution, has been severely affected as councillors are unable to perform their duties.
Public Works Hampered
The Solan MC has been virtually inactive since mid-April. While the government talks about alternative arrangements, public works on the ground are being affected. Katwal alleged that the Congress government's administrative apathy and delay in decision-making have hampered development in Solan city. He demanded immediate issuance of the notification to complete the democratic process so that elected representatives can assume their duties.
