Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 9

Almost a week after being removed from the post of PUNSUP vice- chairman, the councillor from Ward No. 44 and senior Congress leader from the city, Krishan Chand Budhu, today accused Mayor Sanjeev Kumar Sharma of partisanship in illegal constructions in the city.

The councillor also staged a dharna near statue of Mahatma Gandhi in protest apart from naming Mayor’s associates, who he alleged were involved in illegal activities.

Rejecting Budhu’s claims Mayor said he was levelling baseless allegations against him. “I will go to court or complain at the office of Local Bodies Minister,” said Mayor.

Earlier, Budhu had written against the Mayor and met Punjab Congress Committee president Navjot Singh Sidhu in this regard.

Budhu in a statement released on his official letterhead today named some ‘illegal constructions’, including a showroom near Udaseen Modern School, a commercial market near a private hospital on Bhupindra Road, a showroom near the Sahni bakery, constructions at Leela Bhawan Market, a petrol pump near railway crossing No. 22, shops near the CIA staff office, a commercial market at Adalat Bazar, construction of houses in place of an old building, showrooms near DAV School on Bhupindra Road and over 20 to 25 structures at Anand Nagar among others.

“More than required numbers of employees have been hired at the Municipal Corporation office. The contract for hiring private security has also been issued to a contractor, who does not possess license for the purpose,” Budhu alleged.

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur said, “The Corporation has hired staff as per its requirement and is competent to take decisions in this regard. The contract for security was given through a tendering process. It was issued before I took charge of the MC Commissioner.”

When contacted, Mayor Sanjeev Kumar Sharma said, “I hold a position in society because of which people level allegations against me.”

“New allegations have been levelled by the councillor to please his political bosses. Rather issuing baseless statements the councillor should complain to the DC, Municipal Commissioner or go to court,” he added.