The action triggered a political backlash in the city. Local residents, alongside Congress Councilor Ashu Sharma and her husband Gaurav Sharma (Noni), have leveled serious allegations against Inderjit Singh.
Following the recent enforcement actions by Municipal Corporation Jalandhar against illegal constructions, the political atmosphere in Jalandhar North has heated up.
According to reports, the Municipal Corporation has sealed six illegal shops (approx. 80 marla land) located in Kalia Colony, Phase 2. These shops reportedly belong to Inderjit Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader who previously contested the Corporation elections from Ward No. 1 but faced defeat.
Investigations revealed that the commercial units were constructed without any permission and legal approval from the Corporation.
Allegations of Misuse of Power
The action triggered a political backlash in the city. Local residents, alongside Congress Councilor Ashu Sharma and her husband Gaurav Sharma (Noni), have leveled serious allegations against Inderjit Singh.
“Inderjit Singh has misused his political influence to construct these illegal commercial shops, completely disregarding the law,” stated Councilor Ashu Sharma.
The Congress leaders further questioned the state government’s consistency. She pointed out that while the MC has taken high-profile actions against others (referencing the Punjab Kesari’s hotel), it has remained silent on an illegal colony and commercial shops in Kalia Colony Phase 2.
She noted that despite shutters being installed and locks put on shops, the MC has shown no reaction. She asked the Mayor and Commissioner directly whose influence was protecting these illegal constructions, demanding an explanation for the “special treatment.”
Congress Ashu Sharma termed the sealing a “formality” (khana-purti). She has urged the Administration and the Municipal Commissioner to use Bulldozer to demolish the structures. The Councilor warned that if strict action is not taken, they will be forced to intensify their protest in the coming days.
What did Congress Ashu Sharma noted in MC Meeting?
It would be no exaggeration to say that the action in accordance with law and order only became possible after Congress Ashu Sharma raised the voice over wrongful acts in Jalandhar.
Along with the point on AAP’s Inderjit Singh’s illegal properties, she pointed on many others. While raising her voice, she mentioned of Infrastructure and Water Management Failures. She reported severe water logging and mismanagement in Indira Colony and Kalia Colony Phase 1.
She reportedly said that in Phase 1, near Dogra Property Dealer and houses 22-23, water remains stagnant from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. She alleged that the water pumps (motors) are either not operated on time or remain broken with no one taking responsibility for their maintenance.
Adding to it, she also flagged a road project in Kartarpur constituency funded by a Minister’s grant where the contractor is allegedly skipping the installation of necessary road gratings, drainage covers which is leading to a waste of public funds.
She further expressed concerns over the lack of basic municipal services in her ward. Noting her request for the sweepers based on the number of colonies (36 colonies), but stated she has only been provided with four workers, which is not enough.
