No perks, all power! Mayor’s husband named adviser, Cong slams decision

Barely weeks into her tenure, newly elected Gurugram Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra has stirred a political storm by appointing her husband Tilak Raj Malhotra — a former BJP district president — as her official adviser. The move has drawn criticism from the Congress, which accuses the BJP of undermining women’s empowerment and promoting a culture of “Mayor Pati” (Mayor’s husband).

Malhotra, who already faced criticism during the municipal election campaign for allegedly being a ‘mute rubber stamp,’ is now at the centre of a controversy over what Opposition leaders call “proxy representation.”

Congress leader Pearl Chowdhary has written to the Municipal Commissioner seeking an explanation for the appointment, questioning both the process and the credentials of Tilak Raj Malhotra.

“We all know Raj Rani cannot speak even a word, let alone function as Mayor. She was just the face — it was her husband and other party leaders who ran the show during the elections. Now, her husband is set to be the de facto Mayor of Gurugram,” Pearl told The Tribune.

She said, “We have asked the commissioner to clarify how a new post was created. BJP has many capable leaders who could have advised her. Why promote this ‘Mayor Pati’ culture?”

Pearl further questioned Tilak Raj Malhotra’s qualifications for such a role. “What is his locus standi in urban planning or civic management? This isn’t a political appointment. If the mayor needs an adviser, the city has hundreds of qualified former civil servants and planners. The selection should follow a transparent process.”

Tilak Raj Malhotra, however, denied holding any official position in the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), claiming his role is honorary and unaffiliated with the civic body.

“I am an adviser to the Mayor, not the MCG. I’m offering voluntary assistance without any honorarium or perks,” he said.

But the situation became more complex when The Tribune accessed the appointment letter, issued directly by MCG Commissioner Ashok Garg. The letter states: “Tilak Raj Malhotra shall function in an advisory capacity and shall assist the Mayor in matters as may be assigned to him by the Mayor from time to time. The role is honorary, with no financial benefits or remuneration from the Corporation.”

Congress leaders argue that while the post may be unpaid, the influence it affords is significant. “No honorarium? He will still wield the powers of the Mayor. This is nothing but proxy rule. The BJP is misusing women’s reservation to install men in power through the back door,” Pearl said.

She also pointed out that Raj Rani Malhotra is already facing a petition in the high court for allegedly falsely claiming a reserved category seat in Gurugram.

Haryana Tribune