Is Mumbai Congress Exposing Corruption and Failures in BMC Administration?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of Corruption: Congress claims the Mahayuti government has exploited Mumbai's resources.
- Financial Mismanagement: BMC's fixed deposits reportedly drained, leading to financial instability.
- Infrastructure Concerns: Deteriorating road conditions and air pollution are serious issues highlighted.
- Electoral Accountability: Upcoming BMC elections should prioritize civic issues.
- Potential Alliances: Congress is exploring partnerships with other parties.
Mumbai, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Congress party in Mumbai unveiled a detailed 'chargesheet' on Friday, outlining allegations of corruption and administrative failures linked to the Mahayuti government, which has been overseeing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) through an administrator for the last three years due to the lack of civic elections.
During the announcement, Mumbai Congress president and Member of Parliament Varsha Gaikwad accused the ruling coalition of exploiting the city’s resources through appointed administrators over the past three years and nine months. She emphasized that the absence of elected officials in the BMC has permitted the Mahayuti to operate without accountability.
The chargesheet pointed out the depletion of financial reserves attributed to the draining of BMC's fixed deposits, deteriorating road conditions characterized by persistent potholes and escalating traffic congestion, increasing air pollution, mismanagement of waste, the transfer of municipal schools to private entities, and the sale of public land.
It also cast doubt on the transparency surrounding the Mithi River project and various other high-budget infrastructure endeavors.
“The Mahayuti has exploited Mumbaikars through its administration. Basic facilities are now nearly non-existent. The city is being handed over to favored contractors and industrialists, leading to the downfall of the nation’s financial capital. The BMC has essentially transformed into a 'Corrupt Mahayuti Corporation',” Gaikwad asserted.
She underscored that the forthcoming BMC elections should center around civic issues rather than caste, religion, or language.
“Mumbaikars are not interested in communal conflicts; they desire development. Our priorities are water supply, healthcare, education, and public transportation,” she remarked, noting that Congress would soon unveil its manifesto for Mumbai.
In response to inquiries about potential alliances, Gaikwad stated that discussions are ongoing with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and other like-minded parties, with a final decision expected soon.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders hinted that the party is likely to contest the BMC elections in collaboration with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. The party has already distanced itself from the Shiv Sena-UBT following its alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray.