No facility, all rights, mayor's husband was made advisor, Congress condemned the verdict

Gurugram’s newly elected mayor Raj Rani Malhotra created a political storm by appointing her husband Tilak Raj Malhotra (former president of the BJP district) as her official advisor just weeks before her tenure. The congress has been criticized, accusing the BJP of weakening women’s empowerment and promoting the culture of ‘mayor man’ (mayor’s husband). Malhotra, who allegedly had a ‘Pacific Rubber Stamp’ during the Municipal Corporation election campaign, is now at the center of a dispute called ‘proxy representation’ by opposition leaders. The leader of Congress, Parl Chaudhary, wrote a letter to the Municipal Corporation Commissioner seeking clarity for appointment, in which both the process and the credibility of Tilak Raj Malhotra were questioned. Pearl told the Tribune: “We all know that Raj Rani can’t even speak a word, because as a mayor is a distant thing. She was just a face – her husband and other party leaders were dealing with everything during the election. Now her husband is going to be the right mayor of Gurugram.” He said: “We asked the commissioner to explain how a new post was created. There are many qualified leaders in BJP who can advise them. Why is this ‘mayor man’ promoted culture?” Pearl also questions the merits of Tilak Raj Malhotra for such a role. “What is their place in urban planning or civil management? This is not a political appointment. However, Tilak Raj Malhotra has denied to hold any official position in the Gurugram Municipal Corporation (MCG), claiming that his role is honorary and is not attached to the civilian body. He said: “I am the mayor’s adviser, not MCG. I provide voluntary help without any honorarium or allowance.” But the situation became more complicated when Tribune issued the letter of appointment directly by MCG Commissioner Ashok Garg. The letter says: “Tilak Raj Malhotra will work as a consultant and will help the mayor with the issues dedicated to him from time to time by the mayor. This role is honorary, for which there will be no financial benefit or compensation of the corporation.” Share this story -tags