Panchkula MC adopts double standards

PANCHKULA: While the Panchkula Municipal Corporation was quick to lodge a case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in March when they put up illegal hoardings and banners in Panchkula, but when it comes to take action against the ruling BJP’s MLA and party leaders, the MC adopts double standards.

Supporters of MLA Gian Chand Gupta illegally installed hoardings in Panchkula on Friday. Tribune Photo: Ravi Kumar

Rajinder S Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, May 25

While the Panchkula Municipal Corporation was quick to lodge a case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in March when they put up illegal hoardings and banners in Panchkula, but when it comes to take action against the ruling BJP’s MLA and party leaders, the MC adopts double standards.

In a latest such incident, BJP leaders have put up illegal hoardings in the city wishing the Panchkula BJP MLA on his birthday on Friday. While the BJP leaders did not take any permission from the MC to install these huge illegal hoardings, MC officials did not muster courage to remove any of such illegal hoarding till evening.

When Chandigarh Tribune contacted MLA Gian Chand Gupta, he justified putting up of these hoardings. “There was no need to take permission as these were put up only for today. Even the Congress had not taken permission in their programmes in Panchkula,” Gupta said.

When asked about the case lodged against AAP leaders and not against BJP leaders, Gupta said AAP had defaced he city and the BJP did not deface the city.

Panchkula Mayor Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia said the MLA should not have encouraged installation of these illegal hoardings. MC officials should act against BJP leaders.

AAP Panchkula district in-charge Yogeshwar Sharma said the double standard of the MC was exposed on Friday. They would seek action against BJP leaders who put up these illegal hoardings.

Spokesperson for the Haryana Mahila Congress Ranjeeta Mehta demanded strict action against violators. She said today’s act of installation of illegal hoardings proves double standard of the Khattar government.

Despite repeated attempts, MC Commissioner Rajesh Jogpal could not be contacted.

No permission sought

BJP leaders have put up illegal hoardings in the city wishing the Panchkula BJP MLA on his birthday on Friday. While the BJP leaders did not take any permission from the MC to install these huge illegal hoardings, MC officials did not muster courage to remove any of such illegal hoardings till evening.

Ex-Deputy CM for action against BJP leaders

Former Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan said as the civic body had suffered financial losses due to installation of illegal hoardings, MLA Gian Chand Gupta should pay for the losses from his own pocket or from the party’s (BJP) fund. The MC should also take action against BJP leaders, he demanded.