The BJP can’t seem to make up its mind on whether the cash-strapped municipal corporations should be unified or left as they are — as three geographically divided bodies.
A resolution recommending to the Union Government to unify the corporations was introduced in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee last week. But it could not be passed for lack of quorum as the BJP councillors left early to attend a party meeting.
On Monday, the resolution once again came up for vote. Since, it was introduced by Standing Committee chairperson Mohan Bhardwaj, it was expected to be passed.
However, Mr. Bhardwaj seemed to have changed his mind, instead ordering the formation of a sub-committee to study the benefits of unification. Interestingly, BJP councillor Sanjeev Nayyar stood up in support of the resolution, only to be asked by his party’s councillors to sit down.
“I don’t see why this resolution shouldn’t be passed,” Dr. Nayyar managed to say before Paharganj councillor Virender Babbar ran over to him and whispered in his ear.
The BJP, which controls the corporations, had been against the trifurcation of the then-unified Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2012.
The MCD was split up by the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit-led Congress Government in a bid to improve efficiency and services.
However, the North and East Delhi civic bodies have been plunged into a financial crisis. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is in a better position, too, has been late in disbursing pensions.
The BJP’s State leadership, sources said, has not decided on the issue yet, and has asked its municipal leaders to slow down as well.
The Congress maintained its support for trifurcation on Monday, with the Leader of Opposition in North Corporation Mukesh Goel registering his dissent against the proposal for unification.
A resolution recommending to unify the corporations was introduced in the NDMC’s Standing Committee last week
However, it could not be passed for lack of quorum as the BJP councillors left early to attend a party meeting
