New Patiala Mayor vows to eliminate corruption, ensure transparency
In the wake of recent corruption charges involving the Patiala Municipal Corporation, where several officers were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes, newly-elected Mayor Kundan Gogia has pledged to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in the city’s administration.
Speaking to The Tribune, Gogia, who was unanimously elected mayor on Friday, said he would meet with Municipal Corporation (MC) officials on Monday to gather firsthand information on the challenges they face. “I will ensure pending development works are completed and civic amenities are improved,” Gogia said.
He added residents would no longer face hurdles when seeking building clearances or other documents. “There will be specific timeframes for each task and officials will be held accountable for clearing files within these deadlines,” Gogia explained.
Addressing the infighting in other political parties, he emphasised the AAP’s commitment to working together for the people. “We will take everyone along, including councillors from other parties, to ensure the holistic development of Patiala,” he said.
The city has been grappling with illegal constructions, with many shopkeepers allegedly working in collusion with corrupt MC officials. Areas such as Model Town Market, Bhupindra Road and Tripuri have been particularly affected. Despite the state government launching a probe into the problem, violations persist and residents have expressed frustration with the lack of action.
“I will ensure MC officials are not involved in this illegal nexus,” Gogia vowed. “If any such report reaches me, we will not tolerate corruption. Good governance is the key to the AAP and we will implement it fully.”
This marks the first time an AAP leader has taken charge as Patiala’s mayor. In the December 21 municipal elections, AAP won 43 of the 60 seats. The BJP and Congress secured four seats each, while the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) won two.
Corrupt officials facilitating illegal construction projects are under investigation, with a probe launched by the state government nearly two years ago. Recently, an Assistant Town Planner was arrested on bribery charges.
