BJP in favour, but Kher against metropolitan council for city

The city unit of Kher’s party had, in a meeting of its executive held last month, adopted a political resolution stating that either a vidhan sabha, a metropolitan council or the system of mayor-in-council be adopted. The party had also decided to constitute a committee that would prepare a report on the subject and submit it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

At the meeting, Kher had reportedly expressed her opposition to the proposal. It is learnt that she got agitated and stated that the party unit was trying to create an alternative power centre to diminish her powers.

A metropolitan council will consist of elected representatives who will have the power to take policy decisions. It will be above the municipal corporation and deal with many of the matters which are now the responsibility of the Chandigarh Administration, which has no popular representation. Such a system existed in Delhi before it got statehood.

Asked about the resolution adopted by the BJP, Kher said, “We can adopt resolutions, but only what is there in the Constitution can be implemented. Instead more powers should be given to the Municipal Corporation.” She said the civic body should be strengthened and this would improve the provision of basic amenities to residents.

Kher said that instead of looking at changes in the administrative set-up, there was a need for having someone capable of taking decisions.

“The growth in the city has been stalled over the past several years. Several issues are pending, with no solutions. There are many things that people want to get done. Basic necessities should be made available. Providing additional water and electricity is a priority. Parking spaces are shrinking and arrangements need to be made. Land is scarce and whatever is left needs to be allocated carefully,” she added.