Ludhiana: A fresh political storm is brewing ahead of Tuesday’s finance and contracts committee (F&CC) meeting, with opposition councillors alleging that development proposals from several city wards have been sidelined while projects linked to ruling party representatives have found a place on the agenda.The meeting, the first under newly appointed municipal commissioner Ankur Mahindroo, will consider 49 resolutions covering roads, parks, water supply, sewerage and other civic works. However, Congress councillor and F&CC member Gaurav Bhatti has objected to the agenda, claiming that proposals submitted by councillors from all 95 wards have not been given equal consideration.In a letter to the commissioner, Bhatti said the issue had also surfaced in the previous meeting, where councillors had sought inclusion of their quota development works. He alleged that despite assurances from the mayor and civic officials, the latest agenda largely comprises proposals linked to ruling party councillors.The controversy is expected to gain traction because members had earlier objected to supplementary or table agendas being introduced at the last minute. Sources indicated that additional resolutions could again be brought before the committee, potentially triggering a confrontation during the meeting.Among the key proposals before the committee is a move to cancel and blacklist a private agency awarded a survey of streets in 44 colonies. The firm received the work order in May but allegedly failed to begin work despite repeated reminders from the civic body.The committee will also decide on a proposal to engage another gaushala management committee for lifting and maintaining stray cattle and on a Rs 35.65 lakh project to install remote telemetry units at sewage treatment plants to enable real-time monitoring by the Central Pollution Control Board.Several resolutions related to roads, sewer lines, parks, tube wells and mechanised sewer cleaning are also on the agenda.Bhatti has additionally demanded that supplementary agendas and supporting documents be circulated at least 72 hours before meetings, alleging that last-minute circulation prevents councillors from properly scrutinising development and financial proposals.
About The Author
