CHANDIGARH: A significant controversy has arisen over the approval of a multi-storey housing project in Manimajra. Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty and Deputy Mayor Tarun Mehta have claimed that the agenda was passed unlawfully during the MC’s 352nd general house meeting on August 26.
In a letter sent to the local government secretary, the two officials, along with AAP councillor Prem Lata, alleged the agenda was pushed through arbitrarily, violating democratic procedures and the Municipal Corporation Act. They called on the secretary to intervene and nullify the agenda for the greater public good.
The councillors contended that opposition members were intentionally removed from the assembly during discussions on transferring V-3 Roads. They assert that this occurred when opposition councillors asserted their right to vote, as mandated by Section 61(2), which requires a show of hands in cases of disagreement. The letter claimed that preemptively removing elected representatives undermines democratic norms.
Addtionally, they pointed out that supplementary agenda item 4—related to land disposal for the housing project—was passed without any opposition members present. This, they argued, prevented any discussion or dissent from being voiced, indicating potential favoritism.
The land at stake, estimated to be worth around Rs 800 crore, was allegedly disposed of without due transparency, raising concerns about financial repercussions for the civic body.
The councillors argued that the land should have been auctioned to maximize revenue for the municipal corporation. “The way the agenda was passed is not only illegal, but also contrary to the principles of good governance,” the letter emphasized. They also mentioned that video evidence from the meeting could demonstrate that opposition members did not disrupt proceedings and were removed unjustly.
The letter highlighted that only 13 councillors from the ruling party were present, while the opposition had 15 members, suggesting that the agenda would likely have been rejected had they not been expelled. “This strongly suggests that the agenda was approved with malicious intent,” the letter stated.
Speaking to TOI, Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty remarked, “The process utilized to pass the agenda contravenes legal and democratic standards. We’ve lodged formal complaints with the CBI, the local government secretary, and the municipal secretary.”
The councillors have requested a review of the entire proceedings from the 352nd general house meeting, advocating for its annulment due to procedural irregularities and lack of transparency. They stressed that this issue transcends politics and pertains to public interest and the integrity of civic governance.
