A day after, Modi bricks disappear

A day after bricks etched with the name of BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi were used during the foundation laying of a community centre, Mayor HC Kalyan has sought explanation from the officials of the Municipal Corporation over the issue. Meanwhile, the officials of the Municipal Corporation removed the bricks since the pit in which these were laid had to be filled with concrete for undertaking construction of the building.

To mark the start of construction of a community centre in Sector 15, the area councillor Saurabh Joshi organised a prayer ceremony at the site. A pit was dug at the site and after conducting prayers, bricks with 'Modi' etched on these were laid to mark the start of construction. Joshi said that since Narendra Modi stood for development, for speedy completion of work, bricks with his name were used. This sparked row with the Congress leaders crying foul and stating that the BJP was using the function for political mileage.

Following this the Mayor, who is from the Congress, sought an explanation from the MC officials. Kalyan said that permission was not sought from either the Municipal Commissioner or from him to hold the function. Further action would be sought depending upon the reply that is received. In a letter to the Municipal Commissioner, Kalyan said that the concerned officials will have to explain how the function could take place without permission being sought from the civic body.

Meanwhile, officials of the Municipal Corporation said that permission is not required in such cases. A senior official said that councillors hold functions on their own to mark initiation of projects. No action is warranted in such cases.Councillor Saurabh Joshi said, "The bricks were laid as a token and had to be removed for construction of the columns. It was a prayer ceremony that we conducted which the Congress blew out of proportion."

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