Elected 6 months ago, Nadala NP chief yet to assume charge

Six months since elections have been held for Nagar Panchayat, Nadala, elected president Baljit Kaur (representing the Congress) has still not been able to assume the charge.

Baljit Kaur, supported by local MLA Sukhpal Khaira, had even moved Punjab and Haryana High Court in this regard. Despite directives on July 24 to the Director, Local Bodies, to ensure the handing over of powers to Baljit Kaur in seven days, no action has been taken from the government even after 10 days have lapsed. Khaira has termed the delay in formal joining "wilful defiance of the judicial orders and obstruction of the democratic mandate of the people of Nadala".

The Nagar Panchayat polling had taken place on December 21 but the poll to elect its chief had been deferred on one ground or the other. The NP chief election finally was conducted on February 10. Despite a communication from the Executive Officer of the Nagar Panchayat on May 16 authorising her to take charge, Khaira noted that the handover had been obstructed without explanation, leaving the town without a functioning local governance. “This is not only a procedural lapse, but also a blatant and deliberate defiance of the judiciary,” he said.

“The continued denial of office to an elected representative undermines not just democratic principles, but also the constitutional right of citizens to local self-governance,” Khaira said. “The silence and inaction from the Department of Local Government are unacceptable and raise serious questions about political interference,” he said.

He further warned that such inaction amounts to contempt of court and could invite further judicial scrutiny. “If the government continues to defy the court’s order, it must be held accountable in a court of law. I appeal to the High Court to consider taking suo motu cognizance of this matter to uphold the sanctity of its own rulings,” he said.

Khaira emphasised, "The impasse has had a direct impact on the daily lives of Nadala residents. With no active Nagar Panchayat leadership in place, civic services have stalled, developmental projects remain on hold, and the local administration is virtually paralysed. The people of Nadala voted with hope in the democratic process. It is shameful that months after the elections, they are still waiting to see the benefits of their mandate,” Khaira added.

Calling for immediate action, the Congress MLA demanded that the government should implement the High Court’s directive without any further delay and ensure that Baljit Kaur is allowed to assume office.

Randeep Waraich, EO, Nadala, has been reportedly made to leave charge after the ECI had found him guilty of taking part in the recent Ludhiana West bypoll campaign of now minister Sanjeev Arora. With the charge of EO going vacant, Khaira said he had put up a request with Director, Local Bodies, Deepti Uppal. Uppal too said that she had left the Director's additional charge as she was now Special Secretary for PMIDC works. Gurpreet S Khaira, who has resumed the Director's charge, said, "I was on leave and have joined back today. I shall see the matter tomorrow to know the glitch in her joining."