GURUGRAM, April 30 — Following mounting public criticism and opposition outrage, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has rescinded its controversial order appointing Tilak Raj Malhotra, husband of newly elected BJP Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra, as her official adviser.
The decision came in the wake of accusations of promoting “Mayor pati raaj” — a term used to criticize the practice of husbands wielding political power through women elected to reserved seats. The move triggered backlash across party lines and civic society, with critics arguing it violated the spirit of women’s political empowerment and encouraged proxy governance.
Tilak Raj Malhotra, a former BJP district president, was officially appointed to advise his wife in her role as Mayor, sparking immediate condemnation. The Congress party called the appointment “detrimental” to the idea behind the reservation of municipal seats for women and accused the BJP of promoting a “proxy culture” in the city’s governance.
“We are glad both the Mayor and the MCG have come to their senses,” said local Congress leader Pankaj Dawar. “The BJP is a government of rubber stamps and proxies. They chose a woman who neither had experience nor voice and was being led by her husband everywhere. She cannot discharge her duties as Mayor in the day-to-day work, so to ensure that her husband is with her in all meetings and House proceedings, they took the decision to make him an adviser.”
Raj Rani Malhotra, who assumed office amid concerns over her autonomy, was often criticized during her campaign for lacking political experience and independence. Her decision to appoint her husband to an official role reinforced those apprehensions.
Political observers also noted that the cancellation of the MCG House meeting scheduled for Tuesday was likely linked to the fallout from the withdrawn appointment.
“This appointment goes against the very purpose of reserving seats for women,” Dawar added. “The BJP speaks of women empowerment, but this incident reveals the stark contrast between their words and actions.”
With the withdrawal of the advisory appointment, pressure continues to mount on the Mayor to assert independent leadership and restore public confidence in her administration.
