Mohali, Oct. 24 -- A political storm has erupted after the Punjab local government department issued a notification to expand the limits of the Mohali municipal corporation (MC). The notification, dated October 21, has invited public objections within 15 days regarding the proposed inclusion of several new sectors and areas currently under GMADA's jurisdiction within MC's limits. After reviewing submissions, the local government department will issue a final notification confirming the revised MC limits. According to the notification, several localities - including Aerocity, Sectors 81 to 86, Sectors 91 to 94, and Industrial Area Sectors 73 and 74 - are proposed to be brought within the expanded limits of the Mohali MC. Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu alleged that the state government is "tampering with democracy" by ignoring a unanimously passed resolution of the Mohali MC that sought a broader inclusion of nearby villages and colonies. "The government has interfered with the democratic process and undermined the will of elected representatives," Sidhu said. "Thousands of residents have been deprived of their right to development and proper civic facilities through this selective inclusion." He pointed out that Balongi village, Balongi Colony, Bar Majra, Green Enclave, Sectors 118 and 119, Balyali, and the TDI-administered region were part of the MC's original proposal but have been omitted from the draft notification. Deputy Mayor Kuljeet Singh Bedi echoed Sidhu's concerns, describing the move as "half-complete and unjust." "Many important areas like TDI and other developed sectors have been left out without logical justification," Bedi said. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) district president Parvinder Singh Sohana termed it an anti-people move, stating that expansion has been proposed without proper planning. Sohana stated that the Mohali MC is already struggling to manage its existing areas. "The corporation is going through a financial slowdown, and even the city's basic civic needs are not being met," he said. Meanwhile, MLA Kulwant Singh has backed the government, calling the move "a balanced and progressive step" that will boost development in the city's outskirts. Singh explained that the exclusion of some villages was intended to shield residents from property taxes that could impose sudden financial burdens. "The government wants to introduce development gradually without pressuring people economically," he said. He noted that similar protests had arisen earlier when villages like Sohana were brought under MC limits. "A policy is being considered to exempt rural areas from property tax. Once that's approved, more villages will be included," Singh added....