Skirmishes in BJP and AAP: Opposition Protests Mayor’s Discretionary Fund Plan Amid Chandigarh Election Controversy

The controversy surrounding Chandigarh’s mayoral elections has led the opposition BJP in Delhi’s civic body to begin showing its strength. Today, during a meeting to deliberate on the civic body’s budget, BJP council members were observed demonstrating loudly.

The BJP is opposed to a plan that would transfer ward committee, employee, and standing committee funds into the mayor’s discretionary fund.

BJP was seconded by the Congress which is also in Opposition in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The House Leader Mukesh Goel’s cut motion was opposed by the council members, who claimed it would weaken committee authority and give Mayor Shelly Oberoi complete control over decisions about the use of these funds.

A discretionary fund is given to the mayor so they can do urgent tasks whenever they see fit. The mayor may utilise these funds for development projects in response to council member petitions or in the event of an emergency where there is a pressing need.

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Civic Bodies Proposal

The Civic body has put forward a proposal to cut down funds on the education department by 52 crore, the property tax department by 102 crore, and committees in Central and Zonal offices by 123 crore.

The Chandigarh mayor’s election has been the subject of intense controversy and is currently being investigated by the Supreme Court, coinciding with the BJP protests.

The Aam Aadmi Party filed a petition, following its defeat in the Mayoral elections held in Chandigarh last month. AAP alleged the BJP was involved in the rigging by the Returning Officer. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud watched a video of the counting.

What did CJI say?

Chief Justice Chandrachud said, “What the Returning Officer did was like the murder of democracy.”

He further added “It is visible in the video that he is looking into the camera and defacing the ballot paper… Legal action should be taken against this officer.”

BJP blamed for creating a ruckus in the house

The BJP council members then hurried to the House well, tearing copies of the cut motions and shouting that the mayor was “stealing MCD’s money.”

Leader of the House and senior AAP councilor Mukesh Goyal addressed a press conference following the conclusion of the House meeting. He stated that while the BJP had previously argued for elected members to have more powers, they were now against the move that is finally being made… “We have put up cut motions. BJP members have also proposed amendments. They will be put to vote on February 8, and whoever has the numbers will win. Their proposals may be also accepted or ours may be defeated. Why are they creating a ruckus at this stage? They should allow discussions,” he added.

The BJP, according to Mayor Shelly Oberoi, has not permitted the House to function for the past year and acted similarly on Tuesday… “We saw shameful behavior from senior BJP councilors who have been former mayors and committee chiefs. Tomorrow, is the third and last day for discussion, and we appeal that the BJP should allow a healthy discussion,” she said.