The Akali Dal councillors, however, said that they were ready to accept any other BJP councillor as the mayor. The Akali Dal and BJP along with the BSP are coalition partners in the 55 member Corporation.

Addressing a news conference here Narula flanked by four of the total 10 Akali councillors in the Corporation accused Sehgal of having proved ``ineffective'' during the last one year. The councillors alleged that Sehgal had failed to discharge his duties and responsibilities, which had damaged the reputation of the Akalis as well as the Akali-BJP state government.

Alleging that the Mayor was ``aiding'' the mushrooming of unauthorised buildings in the city, the Akali councillors said that Sehgal had also failed to devise measures to pull the Corporation out of the severe financial crunch.

Narula and other councillors alleged that the Mayor had been flouting the Municipal Corporation Acts as well as the directions of the state government by consistently avoiding the convening of monthly meetings of the to discuss important matters.

They alleged that the Mayor had inaugurated some disputed buildings for which the Corporation had served notices. They said recovery worth Rs 12 crore remained to be raised by the Corporation but the Mayor had not initiated any steps, neither had he convened any meeting or taken action against any officials for the lapses. Akali councillors also alleged discrimination against their wards.

They alleged that the Mayor had also failed to improve the sanitary conditions and roads in the city, which was a primary task of the Corporation.