Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Following the absence of Mayor Malti Rai from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) council meeting, Congress corporators staged protests on Friday.
Frustrated by the Mayor’s non-attendance, they raised slogans like “Mayor hosh mein aao aur council meeting shuru karo” aur “Chairperson hosh mein aao aur meeting shuru karo.” (Mayor, wake up and start the council meeting” and “Chairperson, wake up and start the meeting.)
Commissioner leaves midway
The commotion intensified when BMC Commissioner and other officials left midway to attend the Chief Minister’s programme.
Congress corporator Pappu Vilas opposed their departure, while council chairperson Kishan Suryavanshi justified it, explaining the corporation’s role in managing arrangements for the CM’s event.
Before the meeting began, Congress corporators protested against the removal of hoardings related to their December 16 demonstration. They surrounded the chairperson’s desk, claiming unfair action by the administration. BJP corporators countered, stating that the hoardings were removed due to lack of permission and unpaid fees.
Corporator Guddu Chauhan repeatedly interrupted discussions to raise concerns about illegal parking. Chairperson Suryavanshi warned him of possible removal from the session if he continued to disrupt proceedings.
The council meeting, happening after three months instead of the mandated two months, addressed 21 proposals. This delay had already caused political tensions.
Key Approvals from the Meeting:
A budget of ₹9.16 crore was approved for the beautification and management of Shahpura Lake, including footpath construction and measures to stop sewage from entering the lake.
The agreement with Unicorn Solutions, the company managing smart navigation devices in the city, was terminated, and the company was blacklisted. The management of 100 gantries will now be handled by the corporation.
A proposal under the AMRUT project was approved for laying water pipelines worth over ₹5 crore in the city.
The council assured no biased actions would be taken in the future.
