Mohali, Dec. 6 -- Opposing the Punjab government's decision to expand the boundaries of the Mohali municipal corporation (MC), as many as 14 village panchayats held a joint press conference in Mauli Baidwan on Friday and said that the government has taken a "dictatorial decision" by including villages in the MC without seeking the consent of the panchayats.

They warned that if the notification is not withdrawn, all panchayats of the constituency will unite and block Airport Road on December 10.

Panchayat representatives alleged that inclusion in the MC will put unnecessary tax burden on villagers and completely disturb the rural administrative structure. Sarpanches said that in the name of development, the government is trying to take a...