Cong councillor Uma Beri flags off street work in Central Town

Congress councillors Uma Beri and Neelam Rani on Friday inaugurated street construction and development works in their respective wards while raising concerns over alleged bias and exclusion by the Municipal Corporation.

Councillor Uma Beri inaugurated the commencement of street construction work in the Central Town area of Ward No 25. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 36 lakh, addresses a long-standing demand of local residents.

Speaking on the occasion, Councillor Beri stated that the street development had been a major concern for residents of the ward. She also expressed concern over what she termed as discriminatory treatment towards Congress councillors within the Municipal Corporation.

“Congress councillors are not informed about the inauguration of development projects in their wards, nor are they invited to attend such events. This is a serious blow to democratic principles,” said Beri. “While many governments have come and gone, elected representatives have never before been ignored in this manner.”

She warned that if the Mayor does not take immediate corrective steps, Congress councillors will be compelled to stage a protest at the Mayor’s office. She also reminded the gathering of promises made by the Punjab Chief Minister, who had earlier stated that labourers and workers should be recognised as the foundation of all development projects. “Where are those promises now?” she asked.

In a separate event, Congress Councillor Neelam Rani inaugurated several development works in Ward No 7 of the Central constituency, describing them as a step towards improving local infrastructure.

While addressing the media, Neelam Rani echoed similar concerns regarding the alleged favouritism shown by the Municipal Corporation towards select councillors. She termed the situation as deeply unfortunate and said elected Congress representatives were being side-lined.

“They used to say that even the names of labourers and masons who lay the foundation stones would be acknowledged, but now the reality is completely the opposite,” she remarked.

Councillor Rani urged both the Municipal Corporation Mayor and the Commissioner to take serious note of the matter and ensure fair and equal treatment for all elected representatives, irrespective of political affiliation.

Jalandhar