BJP Councillors Plan No-Confidence Motion Over Mayor and Deputy Mayor Tenure Extension
The controversy surrounding the extension of the tenures of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) continues to grow. BJP councillors are preparing to submit a no-confidence motion against this decision.
They claim that discussions are underway and that several Congress councillors have expressed willingness to support the no-confidence motion.
Background of the Tenure Extension
In October, the Cabinet approved an extension of the Mayor's and Deputy Mayor's tenures. According to the roster set in 2016, these positions were to rotate every two and a half years. This extension has sparked criticism from BJP councillors and frustrated many Congress councillors who expected to elect their successors.
BJP's Criticism of the Cabinet Decision
Bittu Kumar, BJP councillor from Krishan Nagar ward, strongly condemned the Cabinet's decision, calling it unconstitutional and authoritarian.
"The decision proved that the Congress government was anti-women and inclined to snatch their rights."
He added that the original roster planned for a woman to become the next Mayor of Shimla, but the government amended the notification to extend both current leaders' tenures instead.
Political Implications
- BJP councillors view the tenure extension as a violation of established norms.
- Some Congress councillors are reportedly coordinating with BJP on the no-confidence motion.
- The extension has disrupted the expected succession plan emphasizing women leadership.
The issue highlights a significant political tussle within Shimla’s civic administration regarding democratic processes and representation.
Author's Summary: The extension of Mayor and Deputy Mayor tenures in Shimla has ignited a political standoff, with BJP pushing a no-confidence motion supported by some Congress members to restore the original succession plan favoring women leadership.