Jalandhar Municipal Corporation approves ₹569 crore budget in 2.5 minutes amidst opposition uproar and sloganeering

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu): The Jalandhar Municipal Corporation's House meeting devolved into a political arena on Monday. The city's development budget of ₹569.40 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 was passed in just two and a half minutes amid uproar and sloganeering. As Mayor Vineet Dhir began presenting the budget, Congress and BJP councillors launched a protest, leading to a major gridlock in the House proceedings.

The battle over zero time

As soon as the meeting began, opposition parties began pressuring for a "Zero Hour." Councilors argued that fundamental public issues should be discussed before the budget was approved. When their demand was ignored and the budget was read directly, the atmosphere in the House became tense. Opposition councilors stormed the well, raising loud slogans, calling it a violation of democratic norms.

A huge provision of Rs 200 crore for development

Despite the massive uproar, the administration carried out the budget process with alacrity. This ₹569.40 crore budget focuses specifically on development projects to transform Jalandhar. Approximately ₹200 crore has been allocated for improving the city's roads, sewerage system, and drinking water supply. Additionally, ₹312.70 crore has been earmarked for administrative operations and the functioning of various departments, while ₹55.56 crore has been allocated for other contingency expenses.

Opposition alleges suppression of voice

After the budget was passed, Mayor Vineet Dhir stated that the development budget had been increased due to the corporation's increased income. However, the Zero Hour process later began, but the opposition's anger remained unabated. Councilors alleged that the administration deliberately passed the budget in a hurry to avoid discussion. The opposition warned that they would intensify their protests in the coming days against this attempt to suppress public issues.