Babla, Kher spar in full public view

CHANDIGARH: High drama was witnessed during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of badminton courts and a swimming pool at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 27, after Congress councilor Devinder Singh Babla opposed the decision of the Administration to invite Member of Parliament Kirron Kher to lay the foundation stone of the project.

Congress councillor Devinder Singh Babla and MP Kirron Kher exchange heated arguments during the stone-laying ceremony of a mini-sports complex at Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 27, Chandigarh, on Tuesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: NITIN MITTAL

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 22

High drama was witnessed during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of badminton courts and a swimming pool at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 27, after Congress councilor Devinder Singh Babla opposed the decision of the Administration to invite Member of Parliament Kirron Kher to lay the foundation stone of the project.

Though Babla joined the function and sat on the dais with Kher, he continued his onslaught against the BJP and Kher for ignoring him at the function, which was strongly countered by Kher.

The verbal duel between the two leaders continued in front of the public.

Babla’s name was also missing on the plaque installed on the occasion of the foundation stone-laying ceremony. The inaugural function was scheduled for 5.30 pm. Babla reached the venue much earlier and got the roof of the tent removed before Kher arrived. Babla said when people of his area were sitting under the sun in the open, there was no justification in erecting the tent for VIP leaders. He said the tent should have been erected for all residents attending the function.

Babla also stopped the staff from serving dry fruits to Kher and officers sitting on the dais. He said they had no right to eat dry fruits before the public, which was offered nothing. The situation became tense when an infuriated Babla objected to Shakti Prasad Devsali, BJP councilor, being referred to as the BJP district president and called to speak during the function. Standing from his seat, Babla tried to stop him from speaking, saying that this was not a political function. This forced Kher to intervene, who said “Enough is enough. I can’t tolerate this nonsense anymore.”

Speaking on the occasion, Babla claimed that it took a year and a half for him to get the project sanctioned. He also hit out at the BJP over the water crisis.

Speaking on the occasion, Kher attacked the Congress and said no development took place during the Congress rule. She listed out her achievements and said she got the age limit enhanced for government jobs from 25 to 37.