Delay in constitution of MC House hits dev works in city

It’s been two years since the Municipal Corporation’s (MC) general house was dissolved (January 21, 2023). Though the election results were announced a month ago, there’s been no formation of the new MC House yet. The delay is significantly impacting development works and day-to-day functioning.

Owing to the non-formation of the MC House, residents are bearing the brunt as it is hindering the city’s development. With no elected representatives and decision-making, people are suffering. The newly elected councillors were excited to become a part of the House and raise the issue, which they had promised to the voters. The delay in forming the MC House is also affecting the city’s infrastructure development, sanitation and public services. There are some funds which are only issued to the civic body General House. Residents and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the formation of the new MC House, hoping it will expedite the pace of much-needed development of the city.

The Congress party, despite securing a majority in the Amritsar Municipal Corporation elections held on December 21, is, so far, not in a position to claim the mayoral position. Internal disagreements and strategically wrong steps have nullified the party’s efforts, letting rivals to capitalize on the differences. The Congress emerged as the largest party, winning 40 out of the 85 seats, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured 24. However, the post-election landscape has totally changed. AAP now claims to have 38 councillors after bringing several independents and a BJP councillor into its fold. Meanwhile, the Congress, with 41 councillors, is six votes short of achieving a decisive majority, hindered by internal discord over the mayoral candidate.

AAP’s aggressive courtship of independents and other party councillors highlights its determination to claim the mayor’s post. Additionally, AAP’s seven MLAs, who are eligible to vote in the MC elections, strengthen its claim. If AAP succeeds to attract even more councillors, it could overtake the Congress in the mayoral race.

“The government should organise the oath ceremony and hold voting to nominate the mayoral candidate in the general house. The delay in the formation of the House would cause further delay in the approval of development works,” said Kuljeet Singh, a political expert.