Madhya Pradesh: Congress Demands Urgent BMC Council Meet; BMC Chairman Backs Call Amid Monsoon Woes

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress councilors on Friday submitted a memorandum to divisional commissioner Sanjeev Singh, demanding an urgent meeting of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) council.

Although the next meeting was scheduled for June 3, it was neither held nor was any explanation provided for the delay, raising concerns among elected representatives.

As per municipal rules, the council is required to meet at least once every two months. The last meeting took place on April 3, when the annual budget was passed and the next was due on June 3.

Led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Shabista Zaki, councillors Yogendra Singh Chauhan highlighted the city’s worsening civic issues, particularly water-logging and poor drainage, in the wake of heavy rains. “Matters of public interest must be prioritized,” said Zaki, emphasizing the need to address the woes of residents.

Sources suggest the delay is partly due to the absence of a formal agenda and irregular functioning of the Mayor-in-Council (MIC). The MIC last met on June 9, with previous meetings periodically held in August, September, and December 2024.

LoP Zaki questioned the mayor’s handling of the revised budget and alleged that over 600 files remain pending in BMC departments. “If there’s a mistake in the budget, why hesitate to admit it ? A council session is needed to address public concerns,” she said.

Municipal Corporation Chairman Kishan Suryavanshi also stressed for a meeting, stating, “Even without an agenda, the council should convene to discuss monsoon-related issues like water-logging, damaged roads, and drain maintenance.” Suryavanshi said that councillors need a platform to raise ward-level concerns before the rains further deteriorate city conditions.