BJP councillors rally for release of funds in Delhi

BJP councillors and the city's three mayors on Tuesday held a demonstration outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house here against the delay in release of municipal funds by the AAP government.

Holding placards and black flags, the protesters reached Kejriwal's house early morning and sought immediate release of pending funds for the smooth functioning of the corporations.

The protesters were removed from the spot by Delhi Police, citing safety concerns.

They demanded the release of municipal reform funds to all the three corporations and the implementation of the fourth finance commission's recommendations.

The three municipal corporations have witnessed regular strikes by its employees in recent times.

Sanitation workers have been on strike since October 23, leading to piling up of garbage on the streets of east and parts of north Delhi.

"The Delhi government owes us (three corporations) around Rs. 1,322 crore as municipal reform funds which were allocated to us in the Delhi government's budget," East Delhi Municipal Corporation Mayor Harsh Malhotra said.

Senior leaders of the corporation have also sought payment of pending property tax by various Delhi government departments.

"Various departments of Delhi government owe us around Rs.600 crore in property tax payment. Further around Rs.1,179 crore in global share funds has also been delayed by the Delhi government," said Ravinder Gupta, mayor of north Delhi.