The Aam Aadmi Party's central leadership has stepped in to mediate a growing power struggle among Ludhiana's top civic officials, following a highly publicized fallout during Republic Day celebrations that threatened to destabilize local governance.
Forced Reconciliation After Public Boycott
Mayor Inderjit Kaur, senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar, and deputy mayor Prince Johar made their first joint public appearance on Tuesday at the Municipal Corporation's Zone-D office. Party insiders have characterized this as a compelled display of unity orchestrated by the AAP high command.
The reconciliation effort was reportedly initiated by senior AAP member Manish Sisodia during his recent visit to the city. Sources indicate Sisodia delivered a firm directive from the party leadership, urging the local officials to cease their internal conflicts, which have increasingly overshadowed the civic body's administrative functions.
Republic Day Incident Sparks Crisis
The intervention follows a dramatic public boycott on January 26th, when both the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor walked out of the official flag-hoisting ceremony. The duo alleged they were deliberately "disrespected" and "neglected," claiming Mayor Kaur hoisted the national flag while they were kept waiting inside the office premises.
Visible Tensions Despite Unity Display
During Tuesday's meeting at Zone D, where the trio addressed grievances from municipal employees' unions, underlying tensions remained palpable despite the orchestrated show of solidarity. Observers noted several indicators of continued discord throughout the proceedings.
Mayor Inderjit Kaur presided over the meeting alongside MLAs Ashok Prashar Pappi and Madan Lal Bagga, as well as Municipal Commissioner Neeru Katyal. Meanwhile, senior deputy mayor Rakesh Prashar and deputy mayor Prince Johar maintained a significant physical distance, seated separately from the mayor's delegation.
Following the conclusion of the session, both Prashar and Johar exited the building hastily and independently, avoiding any joint departure with the mayor's group. Despite these visible signs of friction, all three leaders publicly downplayed the rift to reporters afterward, asserting they held "no grudges" against one another.
Pattern of Internal Discord
This recent confrontation represents merely the latest episode in an ongoing pattern of internal discord within Ludhiana's municipal leadership. Both the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor have previously staged walkouts during crucial Finance and Contracts Committee meetings, citing various procedural disagreements and perceived slights.
The recurring nature of these disputes has generated growing concern among Ludhiana residents and municipal staff regarding the stability of civic administration. Many worry that persistent internal conflicts could compromise the Municipal Corporation's ability to deliver essential services effectively and address pressing urban development challenges facing Punjab's industrial hub.
The AAP leadership's intervention underscores the party's recognition that such public displays of disunity could damage its political standing in Punjab, where maintaining cohesive local governance remains crucial for electoral credibility.
