By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 20 Sep: The Congress party has raised the issue of social representation regarding the five councillors nominated by the government to the Mussoorie Municipal Council. Congress Women’s Wing President Jasbir Kaur, senior Congress leader Upendra Thapli, and former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola have objected to the fact that no one from the minority or Scheduled Caste communities was included among the five nominees. They argue that all sections of society should receive representation in local bodies like the municipality. The government recently nominated Kushal Rana, Vijay Bindwal, Anita Dhanai, Vijay Ramola, and Anil Goyal to the Mussoorie Municipal Council. These five individuals took the oath of office and secrecy at the municipality on 18 September.
Congress leaders alleged that social balance was not considered during the selection of the nominated councillors. They stated that the minority and Scheduled Caste communities should have had a presence in the municipality so that the problems and expectations of various sections of the city could be effectively presented before the board.
Former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola noted that there has traditionally been a practice of giving opportunities to individuals who are socially active and have performed well in their respective fields when selecting nominated councillors. According to him, such individuals could have contributed to the city’s development by leveraging their experience in the municipality’s operations. Congress leaders alleged that political priorities were given undue weight in the nomination process this time. They questioned the government and the BJP leadership, asking if there was no one within the city’s minority or Scheduled Caste communities who could have been given representation in the municipality. Congress Women’s Wing President Jasbir Kaur stated that the municipality represents the entire city; therefore, the participation and representation of all social sections should be considered when selecting nominated members. She emphasised that no section of society should feel excluded from the decision-making process. Congress leader Upendra Thapli also questioned the nominations, alleging that the BJP government has overlooked social representation. He stated that in a democratic system, all sections of society should receive equal opportunities and respect. However, Congress leaders clarified that their objection was not regarding the competence of any specific individual, but rather concerned the balance of social representation within the municipality. They have urged the government to consider providing representation to all sections of society in the future.
