AAP high command brokers fragile peace in Ludhiana municipal corporation’s leadership feud.

Ludhiana: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership has intervened to resolve a simmering power struggle between Ludhiana's top civic officials following a public fallout during Republic Day celebrations.Mayor Inderjit Kaur, senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar, and deputy mayor Prince Johar made their first joint public appearance on Tuesday at the MC Zone-D office, signalled by party insiders as a forced show of unity. Sources indicate the reconciliation was prompted by senior AAP member Manish Sisodia during a recent visit to the city. Sisodia reportedly delivered a stern message from the party's high command, urging the local leadership to end internal bickering that has begun to overshadow the civic body's governance.
The intervention follows a public boycott on Jan 26, when both the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor walked out of the official flag-hoisting ceremony. The duo alleged they were "disrespected" and "neglected", claiming the mayor hoisted the national flag while they were kept waiting inside the office.Tensions Simmer at Zone DWhile the trio sat in the same room on Tuesday to address grievances from the municipal employees' union, the atmosphere remained visibly strained. Observations from the meeting included seating divide, Abrupt departures, and public denials.Mayor Inderjit Kaur led the meeting alongside MLAs Ashok Prashar Pappi and Madan Lal Bagga and MC commissioner Neeru Katyal, while the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor sat at a significant distance. Following the conclusion of the session, both Prashar and Johar exited the building hastily, separate from the mayor's delegation. Despite the evident friction, the leaders downplayed the rift to reporters, claiming they held "no grudges" against one another.A Pattern of ConflictThis is not the first instance of internal discord within the Ludhiana MC leadership. Both the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor have staged walkouts previously during Finance and Contracts Committee (F and CC) meetings, citing various procedural disagreements. The recurring nature of these disputes has raised concerns among residents and staff regarding the stability of the civic administration and its ability to deliver essential services effectively. MSID:: 127886965 413 |