BJP leaders meet Kejriwal, seek release of civic funds

New Delhi: Senior functionaries of the three BJP-ruled municipal corporations met chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday demanding immediate release of due funds.

The delegation led by three mayors, including mayor (North) Adesh Kumar Gupta, mayor (South) Narender Chawla, and mayor (East) Bipin Bihari Singh, met Mr Kejriwal at his residence and office.

Later, while addressing a press conference, the mayors stressed upon the need for immediate release of pending plan funds and amount due as per recommendations of the 3rd and 4th Delhi Finance Commissions to enable the corporations to take up delayed developmental projects and concentrate on the core work related to sanitation, health, urban development, and education.

The mayors were accompanied by the respective chairmen of the standing committees Veena Virmani, Shikha Rai, and Satya Pal Singh and Leaders of Houses Tilak Raj Kataria, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Nirmal Jain.

It was also stated by the mayors that the North and East corporations are unable to fulfil the liability of monthly salary and pension. According to Mr Gupta, the mayors met Mr Kejariwal in his office on Monday to apprise him of the financial crisis being faced by the three corporations, which is badly affecting its smooth functi-oning.

“Mr Kejriwal patiently listened to the woes and sought time of 7 to 10 days to discuss the matter with the officials,” informed Mr Gupta.

The mayors claimed that the amount, as per the recommendations of the 3rd and 4th Finance Commissions, has not been rele-ased.

“North Corporation is hopeful that the Delhi government will draw a positive conclusion to this chapter and will soon release the funds due to all the three corporations,” said Mr Gupta.

He appealed to the state government for bringing it to a positive end and work together with the three municipal corporations of Delhi towards the welfare of its citizens.