(Patiala, February 16 — Analysis by Navneet Bansal, Newsroom 7 Bureau)
Known for his simple and clean public image, 53-year-old Kundan Gogia assumed office as the Mayor of Patiala on January 10, 2025, after securing a decisive majority in the Municipal Corporation elections. For the first time, a representative of the Aam Aadmi Party became Mayor in Patiala, raising expectations of political change and administrative reform in the city.
So far, his tenure of nearly 1 year and 37 days cannot be described as highly progressive. However, some positive signals and constructive steps in the right direction have certainly been observed. With the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections in view, expectations from his leadership have grown significantly. Residents of Patiala continue to look ahead with hope, expecting stronger decisions and visible ground-level development in the coming months.
Key Steps Taken So Far
* Cleanliness and Urban Management
Mayor Gogia held several meetings with officials of the Municipal Corporation’s health and sanitation department, emphasizing timely garbage collection and maintaining city cleanliness. Clear instructions were issued to ensure waste is lifted from every locality on time so that citizens do not face inconvenience.
* Review of Development Works
He decided to cancel certain development projects approved before his tenure, citing alleged irregularities. He stated that all future processes would be transparent and conducted strictly according to rules.
* One-Year Report Card
Recently, he presented a one-year performance report before citizens, highlighting efforts to strengthen the corporation’s financial condition, introduce administrative reforms, and expand civic facilities.
* Budget and Planning
A major portion of the municipal budget is spent on employee salaries, leaving limited funds for development works. Despite this, he assured efforts to increase revenue and prioritize development projects.
* Urban Reforms and Public Demands
Local representatives and organizations recently met the Mayor regarding demands to declare certain residential areas as commercial zones to promote business activity and strengthen the local economy.
* Social and Administrative Role
Mayor Gogia has remained active on issues of sanitation, development, and transparency. Through regular meetings, he emphasized resolving citizens’ problems and making administrative processes more accountable.
Controversies and Challenges
While these initiatives indicate a positive direction, several controversies and challenges have also emerged.
* Cancellation of Earlier Projects
The opposition criticized the decision to cancel previously approved development works.
* Complaints About Roads and Infrastructure
Residents from several parts of the city have repeatedly complained about potholes, damaged roads, and drainage problems, stating that ground-level improvements have been slower than expected.
* Financial Constraints
The Municipal Corporation has faced budget shortages, as a large share of funds goes toward salaries and pending payments. Critics argue that despite promises, large-scale development remains limited.
* Garbage and Sanitation Issues
Despite review meetings, complaints continued from some wards about delays in garbage collection.
* Internal Administrative Tensions
Reports also surfaced about internal friction between the Mayor’s office and certain municipal officials regarding files, approvals, and project documentation.
Expectations Ahead
Residents of Patiala still hope that these issues and shortcomings will be addressed seriously during the remaining tenure of Mayor Gogia. Citizens expect faster completion of development works, improved civic amenities, and greater administrative accountability.
High expectations remain attached to the present leadership, and people are waiting for visible, ground-level improvements that can restore public confidence and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.
