The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh has strongly criticised the Governor for his recent rejection of proposals regarding free water and free parking facilities in Chandigarh. Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, speaking at a press conference from the party office, expressed disappointment, stating that the Governor’s decision was made without proper consideration of the files.
Just days prior, the announcement of free parking and 20,000 liters of free water had been warmly received by the public, offering significant financial relief. Mayor Kumar lamented the lack of approval from the local government secretary and the Governor, attributing it to the BJP’s reluctance to support decisions beneficial to the public.
Chairman of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Co-Incharge of AAP Chandigarh, Dr. SS Ahluwalia, criticized the Governor’s dismissive attitude, suggesting it was emblematic of the BJP’s disregard for elected representatives. Ahluwalia drew parallels with similar actions in Delhi, where LG directives impede public interest works initiated by the Arvind Kejriwal government.
Highlighting discrepancies in spending, Ahluwalia pointed out the lavish expenditures on government functions contrasted with the reluctance to allocate resources for public welfare initiatives. He accused the BJP of prioritizing the interests of their capitalist allies over those of the common people, particularly evident in their insistence on implementing paid parking schemes.
Attendees at the press conference included Chandigarh Congress President HS Lucky, AAP Councillor Yogesh Dhingra, and Congress Councillor Gurpreet Singh, indicating cross-party concern over the Governor’s decision and its potential impact on public welfare.