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Akash Ghai
Tribune News Service
Mohali, December 11
The controversy over open-air gyms inaugurated recently in two wards by opposing political functionaries rocked the Mohali Municipal Corporation House meeting at the MC Bhawan in Sector 68 here today.
The gyms, which were installed in the wards of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) councillors, were inaugurated by Punjab Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu and Congress Senior Deputy Mayor Rishabh Jain a day before their scheduled inauguration on Sunday by Mohali Mayor Kulwant Singh.
Today, BJP-SAD councillors slammed Rishabh Jain, alleging that he, along with Balbir Sidhu, was trying to take credit of developmental works being carried out in Mohali.
“You people (Congressmen) acted like thieves,” alleged SAD-BJP-combine councillors RP Sharma and Arun Sharma while strongly criticising Jain and Sidhu.
“We will repeat the act. Stop us if you can,” said Jain in a reply.
Earlier, heated arguments between councillors of both parties were exchanged for around one hour. Tampers ran high and the House witnessed delay in its proceedings for at least one hour.
SAD-BJP councillors, who were demanding to pass a resolution of condemnation in this regard, also staged a walkout for a while. Later, they were pacified by Mayor Kulwant Singh, who too evidently was miffed at the act of Congress leaders.
“Yeh jo public hai, yeh sab jaanti hai (public knows everything,” Mayor told the agitated councillors and assured them that if such act would be repeated by their rivals, the House would pass such resolution immediately.
Apart from the gym controversy, Arun Sharma also alleged that Jain inaugurated some developmental works regarding beautification of a park in his ward without his knowledge. Sharma also gave a memorandum to the Mayor in this regard.
The controversy
The gyms, which were installed in the wards of SAD councillors, were inaugurated by Punjab Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu and Congress Senior Deputy Mayor Rishabh Jain a day before their scheduled inauguration on Sunday by Mohali Mayor Kulwant Singh.
Nod to installation of 156 advanced CCTVs
The Mohali Municipal Corporation House on Tuesday gave its nod to install 156 advanced CCTV cameras at various sensitive points to manage traffic efficiently and increase security scenario in the town. The project, costing Rs 5 crore, is being executed in association with the Mohali police. “We are spending a hefty amount to install high-class CCTV cameras at all sensitive points in the town. These cameras would definitely help not only in better traffic management but also security of residents and keep a close eye on anti-social elements,” said Kulwant Singh, adding that the MC had roped in the Mohali police in the project.
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