Edited By DAVINDER GOYAL | Updated: 19 Nov, 2025 – 06:45 PM

Jalandhar (Chopra):
The Jalandhar Municipal Corporation House meeting, convened after eight long months, laid bare the deepening internal crisis within the Congress party. Although the Congress had prepared extensively to corner the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the party failed to unite its own councillors—exposing cracks, discontent and factionalism within its ranks.

District Congress Urban President Rajinder Berry had called multiple strategy meetings and finalised key issues to be raised during the municipal session. However, the plan collapsed when the majority of Congress councillors failed to turn up.

Only 8–9 Out of 23 Councillors Attend Key Meeting

Before the House session, a crucial meeting was held at the Congress Bhawan, chaired by Berry. The objective was to highlight shortcomings in the corporation’s functioning, mismanagement, and alleged excessive expenditure.
But shockingly, out of 23 Congress councillors, only 8–9 attended.

Those present included:

• Dr. Jasleen Sethi

• Pawan Kumar

• Gurvinder Singh Bunty Neelkanth

• Balraj Thakur

• Neeraj Jassal

• Vikas Talwar

• Madhu Sharma

• Councillor-husband Mahinder Singh ‘Gullu’

• Councillor-husband Davinder Sharma
  Apart from these, most councillors remained absent, signalling internal disagreements and growing dissatisfaction.

Councillors Voice Grievances; Leader of Opposition Missing

Sources say several councillors used the meeting to openly express concerns. Many complained that the party had failed to appoint a Leader of Opposition in the Municipal Corporation, leaving them “leaderless” and weakening the party’s voice in the House.

District President Berry reportedly had to assure councillors that the high command would soon announce the name of the Leader of Opposition.

United Only on One Issue: Expenditure of ₹1.75 Crore

Despite internal disputes, Congress councillors unanimously agreed to question the corporation over the ₹1.75 crore spent on the opening ceremony of the Burlton Park Sports Hub, calling it unnecessary and extravagant. They also planned to highlight the deteriorating condition of the city.

A Divided House Weakens the Party

Even during the House meeting, several Congress councillors distanced themselves from proceedings, further emphasising the party’s organisational weaknesses. Their absence from a crucial pre-session meeting is being viewed as a strong political signal—one that suggests the party is suffering from indiscipline, dissatisfaction, and poor coordination.

Some councillors reportedly feel sidelined, while others are unhappy with the working style of the local leadership.

Elections One Year Away — Can Congress Unite?

With the 2027 Assembly elections just a year away, the situation raises serious questions about the Congress’s ability to function as a strong opposition in Jalandhar.

Despite having 23 councillors—a number that could make it a formidable force in the Municipal Corporation—the party appears weakened by internal rifts and lack of leadership direction.

The House meeting, intended to project Congress as a strong opposition, instead exposed deep divisions, sending a worrying message to party workers and voters alike.