Governance vacuum in Gurgaon as MCG election is also in limbo

GURGAON: Amid uncertainty on the proposed Gurgaon Development Authority, the government seems to be in no hurry to conduct the MCG election, putting the city in a governance vacuum.
Despite the election commission asking the government to hurry up on delimitation and conduct the MCG elections that were due in June, the state is yet to submit its report, as the ad hoc committee formed to finalise ward boundaries, is yet to complete its task.The last date for submitting the report was October 15.
According to sources, the reason for the delay is because committee members have been bickering over caste and other issues they hope will increase their chances of winning the MCG election. Residents are questioning the government's motive, lamenting that instead of empowerment, democratic rights are being subverted in Gurgaon in blatant violation of the Indian constitution. They accuse the present government of subverting the rights of its people.
"Just a few weeks back, establishment of the GDA looked merely a matter of time. Now, things appear very different?" asked Kishore Asthana, who took part in preparing the GDA draft. "All indications are that the will of the Gurgaon MP, the Badshapur MLA and even the chief minister, are subservient to the will of bureaucrats. Instead of a half-baked effort at a super-Huda, an empowered MCG may be a better alternative, with mayor taking all decisions. Some people have already advocated this. Unfortunately, when bureaucrats can overrule the chief minister's will, what chance does an elected mayor or councillors have?" continued Asthana.
Others feel Gurgaon has become voiceless. "What Gurgaon needs is a voice - to improve its present and shape its future. It can generate its own finances and has capable citizens to manage affairs. What it needs is an empowered local city government i.e. MCG, that ensures accountability. It needs a democratically elected, empowered mayor who takes pro-active, quick decisions aligned to the needs of its people, enabling it to be run efficiently and effectively," said outgoing councillor Nisha Singh.
While the Gurgaon deputy commissioner and mayor could not be contacted for their comments, MLA Umesh Aggarwal said the ad hoc committee report will be submitted before month-end. However, it will be at least another six months before MCG elections can take place.