Ludhiana, Dec. 29 -- The municipal corporation has approved a proposal to construct a new guest house near Rose Garden in the city at an estimated cost of Rs.1 crore, a move that is drawing criticism from Opposition parties over what they termed "misplaced priorities and luxury spending".

According to the proposal cleared by the civic body, nearly Rs.53 lakh of the total cost has been earmarked for decorative and interior works, including air-conditioners, LED lights, sofas and other furnishings.

The approval comes months after the civic body had already cleared a Rs.22-crore civic centre project, which also includes a dedicated guest house facility. Opposition leaders have questioned the need for another guest house when a similar faci...