Ludhiana: Protesting against the failure to convene a municipal corporation (MC) House meeting for nearly four months, BJP councillors on Tuesday staged a two-hour “dummy House” at the civic body’s Zone D office in Sarabha Nagar.Addressing empty chairs arranged for the mayor and municipal commissioner despite rain, the opposition councillors alleged that the civic body’s elected house has become completely dysfunctional. They claimed that key public issues, including waterlogged roads, potholes, damaged sewerage, poor sanitation, and non-functional streetlights, are being ignored by the authorities.The last full-fledged House meeting was held on March 24 primarily to approve the annual budget. Councillors alleged that no major development project had been executed in their wards over the past 18 months. They questioned the status of development funds—worth ₹1.5 crore for inner wards and ₹2 crore for outer wards—stating that while they were made to sign approval letters, no actual work commenced.Criticising past House proceedings, the councillors stated that regular meetings lasted barely 5 to 10 minutes without detailed deliberations. They alleged that the mayor operates under pressure from ruling party MLAs, who dominate discussions and use foul language to intimidate opposition members. In contrast, the mock session lasted two hours, culminating in passed resolutions seeking immediate administrative action. While police personnel were deployed at the premises, civic officials remained absent.BJP district president and councillor Sunil Moudgil said, “Our intention through this dummy house was to wake up the authorities from their slumber. If they will not listen to our demands then we are ready for protests and even hunger strike because we are answerable to the general public.”17 OF 19 COUNCILLORS ATTEND DUMMY HOUSEThe opposition bloc strength in the Ludhiana municipal corporation comprises 18 BJP councillors and one independent councillor who extends support to the party. Of these 19 members, 17 attended Tuesday’s two-hour dummy House session at the Zone D office, while two were out of station. The group features strong female representation, consisting of 12 female councillors and seven male councillors.
