Chandigarh, May 21 -- Facing backlash from residents and political parties, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) on Tuesday deferred its proposed demolition drive to remove 65 unauthorised religious structures across the city. The action, which was to continue till August 6, has been put on hold for a day. The drive was initiated on the direction of the Punjab and Haryana high court. In compliance, MC commissioner Amit Kumar had constituted an anti-encroachment team to remove the unauthorised structures. The officials termed the structures as "illegally constructed" on government land. These included encroachments on road beams, parking lots, the backside of market areas, and other public spaces. Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee president HS Lucky said, "We condemn MC's decision to demolish 65 religious structures in the city. The BJP, which has repeatedly sought votes in the name of religion and portrayed itself as the custodian of religious sentiments, is now conveniently silent when religious sites are being razed under its own governance," said Lucky.htc...