Only names of elected representatives should appear on foundation stones, says BJP leader

Manoranjan Kalia, former Punjab Local Bodies Minister and Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Executive, has sharply criticised the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation for what he called an illegal and unconstitutional act during the inauguration of development works in the city.

At a press conference, Kalia pointed out the foundation stones laid on October 11 in Ward Nos 19 and 29 of the Municipal Corporation, which prominently displayed the names of Nitin Kohli, Halka In charge (Jalandhar Central) of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alongside Ward In charges Tarandeep Singh (Ward 19) and Naresh Sharma (Ward 29), all of whom are affiliated with AAP.

Kalia argued that none of these individuals are elected representatives or hold any constitutional office. As a result, he claimed, their names appearing on the foundation stones is a violation of democratic norms.

“Only the names of ministers, elected representatives of the concerned area and relevant departmental officers should appear on foundation stones,” Kalia emphasised. “This established practice has been strictly followed across all three tiers of governance — the Centre, States and Local Bodies — and it must be respected both in letter and spirit.”

Kalia further warned that the officers involved in this act would face disciplinary action once a new government is formed after the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.