Mayor''s post reserved for women

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 4

The Punjab Government today decided to reserve the post of Mohali Mayor for a woman candidate. The decision has come as a major setback to Azad Group's builder-turned-politician Kulwant Singh, who was eyeing the post.

Confirming the development, Anil Joshi, Punjab State Minister for Urban Local Bodies, said the Mayor's seat in Mohali had been reserved for a woman candidate for the entire five-year tenure. The reservation had been made under Section 6 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. The decision had been taken by the government after seeking legal opinion. The development is likely to benefit the SAD-BJP combine, which has senior women, including Kuldeep Kaur Kang, among its 23 councillors. At least 26 seats are required for a majority in the 50-member House. The development has changed all permutations and combinations in Mohali as former SAD leader-turned-rebel Kulwant Singh is now literally out of the race.

Efforts by Congress MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu and Kulwant Singh to join hands to form a majority have also gained momentum. The Kulwant group also has senior women councillors.

“It’s a big jolt for Kulwant Singh, who wanted to be the first Mayor of Mohali. He was ready to join hands with the Congress,” said an Independent candidate on condition of anonymity. Congress candidate Kuljit Singh Bedi termed the government’s step "defeat of democracy".

Eighteen women have won the MC elections. Of them, six are from the SAD, an equal number from the Congress, one from the BJP, three from the Azad Group and two Independents. Though parties are trying hard to garner support to form a majority, women councillors who are already in the race for the Mayor's post include Kuldeep Kaur Kang (SAD), Amteshwar Kaur (Azad Group), Harvinder Kaur Lang (Independent), Raj Rani (Congress) and Rajinder Kaur Kumbra (SAD).