Congress cries foul as Chandigarh House scraps free water agenda

In Chandigarh, the Congress party has raised alarm over what it calls a lack of transparency regarding the municipal corporation’s decision to scrap a free water proposal.

Ward 34 councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi said the MC administration kept the House in the dark, noting that the proposal had been unanimously passed during a House meeting in 2024 but was later rejected and returned by the local secretary in 2025. Gabi’s remarks came during a press interaction where he accused the administration of withholding information about the final decision until it was communicated externally.

The free water agenda, which aimed to provide residents with a certain benefit, had been cleared by the House, indicating broad support across party lines. Its subsequent reversal raised questions about the administration’s handling of the matter and the procedural steps that led to the change.

Gabi emphasized that the House members were not informed about the final decision until it was communicated outside the chamber, suggesting a breakdown in the usual flow of information between elected representatives and civic officials. He urged the administration to clarify the reasons behind the reversal and to consider restoring the proposal if feasible.

The criticism reflects broader tensions between the Congress and the municipal administration, with the party demanding greater openness in local governance. The episode underscores the importance of clear communication between elected representatives and civic officials, especially on issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives.

Water supply remains a key concern for residents in the union territory, and any shift in policy can have noticeable implications for household expenses and access to essential services. While the specific details of the proposal were not disclosed in the statements, the Congress’s focus on transparency suggests a belief that the public deserves to know how decisions affecting their welfare are made.

The municipal corporation has not responded publicly to the allegations in the available reports, leaving the situation open to further scrutiny. Opposition parties often use such moments to highlight perceived shortcomings in governance, and this episode may become a point of contention ahead of upcoming civic elections.

Overall, the incident illustrates the challenges of maintaining accountability in municipal administration and the role of elected representatives in advocating for community interests. As the debate continues, the need for clear, documented procedures and open dialogue between the House and the MC administration will likely remain at the forefront of public discussion.

Source: Hindustan Times