Public issues sidelined as Solan MC meeting turns into political slugfest

Key public issues such as the acute water shortage in Solan city and the painfully slow pace of development works, including urgent rain-damage repairs, failed to get any attention during the Solan Municipal Corporation (MC) general house meeting convened yesterday after a gap of seven months. Instead, the nearly four-hour-long session turned into a bitter exchange between BJP and Congress councillors, leaving residents’ concerns unaddressed.

The uproar began when BJP councillor Shailendra Gupta questioned Mayor Usha Sharma over damage to a retaining wall constructed by the civic body in her ward, allegedly harmed by a local builder. The discussion soon degenerated into a shouting match, with both leaders trying to assert their positions in raised voices, creating pandemonium in the house. Gupta pressed further, asking whether civic property would be safeguarded at all, which only heightened the discord.

Deputy Mayor Meera Anand, also from BJP and co-convening the meeting alongside the Mayor, was left helpless as the argument spiralled out of control. Trouble resurfaced when councillors asked about the long delay in calling the house meeting. In response, Mayor Sharma said the responsibility lay with all councillors, a remark that drew sharp objections. Members cited statutory provisions, pointing out that the onus rests with the Mayor to convene the house.

Independent councillor Manish Sopal lamented that even tendering for rain-damage works had stalled because contractors were unwilling to apply. He argued that regular meetings would allow councillors to raise grievances and work towards timely solutions, instead of leaving them to “cut a sorry figure before residents.”

The confrontation reached its peak when Mayor Sharma asked Gupta to leave the meeting. Gupta shot back with the same suggestion, further vitiating the atmosphere. Surprisingly, despite Congress holding a majority in the house, none except one councillor came forward in her support. On the BJP side too, barring Gupta and an independent, most chose to remain silent.

BJP councillor Rajni voiced concern over the chaos, asking where genuine issues could be raised if not in the house.

Ironically, BJP councillors had earlier aligned with four Congress councillors and an independent to ensure the election of both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Yet the session revealed little cooperation, as neither side saw eye to eye.

Meanwhile, pressing civic issues, ranging from drinking water shortage and poor sewage connectivity to inadequate parking facilities, remain unresolved, leaving residents frustrated and neglected.