A day after, Modi bricks disappear

‘Modi’ bricks used for laying foundation stone of a Sector 15 community centre were removed on Wednesday. Sumit Malhotra

A day after bricks etched with the name of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi were used during the foundation laying of a community centre, Mayor HC Kalyan has sought explanation from the officials of the Municipal Corporation over the issue. Meanwhile, the officials of the Municipal Corporation removed the bricks since the pit in which these were laid had to be filled with concrete for undertaking construction of the building.
To mark the start of construction of a community centre in Sector 15, the area councillor Saurabh Joshi organised a prayer ceremony at the site. A pit was dug at the site and after conducting prayers, bricks with ‘Modi’ etched on these were laid to mark the start of construction. Joshi said that since Narendra Modi stood for development, for speedy completion of work, bricks with his name were used. This sparked row with the Congress leaders crying foul and stating that the BJP was using the function for political mileage.
Following this the Mayor, who is from the Congress, sought an explanation from the MC officials. Kalyan said that permission was not sought from either the Municipal Commissioner or from him to hold the function. Further action would be sought depending upon the reply that is received. In a letter to the Municipal Commissioner, Kalyan said that the concerned officials will have to explain how the function could take place without permission being sought from the civic body.
Meanwhile, officials of the Municipal Corporation said that permission is not required in such cases. A senior official said that councillors hold functions on their own to mark initiation of projects. No action is warranted in such cases.Councillor Saurabh Joshi said, “The bricks were laid as a token and had to be removed for construction of the columns. It was a prayer ceremony that we conducted which the Congress blew out of proportion.”
He added that it is the Congress that has been using the MC for political gains. “A membership drive of the party was held at the community centre in Sector 29 which is not allowed. The members of Youth Congress held a vehicle rally carrying Congress flags during the inauguration of the overbridge at Sector 17 which was an official function. There is a need for explanation on these actions as well,” he said.
Congress spokesperson and councillor Pardeep Chhabra alleged that BJP is playing cheap politics.
He said, “The manner in which the function was held was unwarranted. It is because of such things that peoples’ faith on politicians is eroding.”
The bricks with ‘Modi’ etched on it were procured from a brick kiln near Ludhiana. Joshi informed that it was after much search that they could find such bricks. Around 50 of these were purchased.