During the inauguration of a 24-hour water supply project, Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, was present but was not provided with a special chair featuring an emblem as per protocol. Instead, he sat on a common chair with other attendees. The Congress party has questioned this arrangement, calling it an insult to the Governor.
Chandigarh Congress President, HS Lucky, criticized the event, stating that while the project was inaugurated, the residents of the Manimajra area are still not receiving water as promised. He highlighted the breach of protocol and the lack of benefits from the project, adding that water was supposed to be available 24 hours a day, yet by evening, residents reported no water supply.
Former Mayor of Municipal Corporation and Congress leader, Surendra Singh, also expressed his displeasure, emphasizing that during his tenure, special chairs were always arranged for the Governor and President at such events. He viewed the absence of a special chair for the Governor as a sign of disrespect.
Notably, Chandigarh MP Manish Tiwari and Municipal Corporation Mayor Kuldeep Kumar were invited but did not attend the program. However, several dignitaries were present, including Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Special Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Kumar Deka, Advisor to Administrator Rajiv Verma, CEO of Chandigarh Smart City Limited Anindita Mitra, former MP Kiran Kher, Senior Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Sandhu, and other councilors and senior officials. Additionally, former Chandigarh BJP President Arun Sood, along with many councilors and local leaders, also attended the event.