Amid protests, Sonkar set to hold budget meeting on Feb 7

Sandeep Rana

Chandigarh, February 4

While the Opposition is fighting a legal battle to get the mayoral polls conducted again, Mayor Manoj Sonkar is set to hold his first House meeting on budget on February 7.

Amid the ongoing protests by the Congress and AAP, the MC secretary today issued an order for the budget meeting on February 7. The two parties have opposed the move. While AAP has decided to boycott the meeting, the Congress will take a call at its pre-House meeting.

While talking to Chandigarh Tribune, Dr SS Ahluwalia, co-in charge, city AAP, said, “We do not accept this Mayor as he has been elected fraudulently. Our councillors will not attend this House meeting and will stage a protest outside the MC building.”

Do not accept this Mayor: AAP

We do not accept this Mayor as he has been elected fraudulently. Our councillors will not attend this House meeting and will stage a protest outside the MC building. — Dr SS Ahluwalia, Co-in charge, City AAP

Leaders of the Congress said they would hold a pre-House meeting to discuss and decide the floor strategy for the budget meeting. “Besides, the party is planning to hold a series of protests in parts of the city to highlight the wrongdoings of the BJP and its nominated councillor Anil Masih, who was the presiding officer for the mayoral election. The Congress has also decided to file a writ in the High Court to challenge the election of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor,” said HS Lucky, city party president.

Meanwhile, Sonkar said, “The Opposition could have issues with me and they have already moved court. But, this budget is for the city’s development. If they do not want to discuss it or give their suggestions on such an important public issue, it is up to them.”

Sonkar was elected Mayor on January 30 amid allegations of rigging by the Opposition. They alleged the presiding officer deliberately invalidated eight votes polled against him to make the BJP councillor win. The case has reached the Supreme Court.

At the meeting, budget estimates and projects will be discussed. Against its demand for Rs 1,651.75 crore in grant-in-aid (GIA), the MC recently got only Rs 560 crore under the Union Budget. The UT Administration will release these funds to the MC on a quarterly basis.

Will hold pre-House meet: Cong

Leaders of the Congress said they would hold a pre-House meeting to discuss and decide the floor strategy for the budget meeting.