Batala MLA Amansher Singh Kalsi may face tough time tackling Congress-led MC

Ravi Dhaliwal

Batala, April 15

AAP MLA from Batala Amansher Singh Kalsi is bound to have a torrid time in executing civic works in this rapidly expanding city as his party does not have even a single councillor in the Municipal Corporation (MC) House.

In a House of 50, the Congress has 36 councillors. An MLA is an ex officio member and hence can attend House meetings. Kalsi recently held an informal meeting with the MC employees.

The correct political linkages between the mayor and the MLA act as a catalyst in ushering in development initiatives. With mayor Sukhdeep Singh Teja and Kalsi being from different parties, things are set to get tough for the latter.

Old timers say Batala is saddled with a curse of sorts as for the last 10 years its MLA and the dispensation in Chandigarh have not been on the same page. This has impeded development projects. In 2012-17, Ashwani Sekhri of the Congress was the MLA, while the Akalis ruled the state. From 2017-22 SAD’s Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal remained the MLA, while the Congress was in power.

“There have been instances when MLAs block funds coming from the state government just to ensure the mayor does not draw mileage. On his part, the mayor does not let the MLA have his say in the House. Kalsi will be feeling the heat as the Congress councillors are sure to throw a spanner into the works every now and then,” said a BJP councillor.

It will be an acid test for the young legislator when it comes to executing civic works, particularly those pertaining to water supply, sewerage and repairing, widening and construction of new roads within the MC limits. Constructing a bridge over the Hansli canal will also be a stormy affair with councillors loyal to the mayor expecting to play spoilsport.