After heated debates, allegations and counter-allegations, the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation’s (JMC) budget amounting to nearly Rs 1,800 crore for the financial year 2025-26 passed amid uproar and a walkout by opposition members. The ruling party got passed the budget in the absence of the opposition, claiming that opposition members deliberately disrupted the meeting instead of participating in discussions. However, opposition leaders accused the ruling party of suppressing their voice and said the budget was passed solely by using their majority strength. Opposition Congress members, strongly opposed the re-densification scheme alleging that the ruling party was selling off JMC land. They also raised concerns about widespread corruption in the water and garden departments and demanded action against responsible officials.

 

Congress Corporators alleged that the Chairman did not allow them to speak on main budget issues, forcing them to stage a walkout in protest against the biasness. Three meetings were held to discuss the budget proposals after it was tabled. On Monday, tensions escalated when opposition member Safeeq Hira raised corruption allegations related to house allotments in Lema Garden. The Chairman interrupted Hira, stating the issue was not directly related to the budget discussion. The opposition argued that housing schemes were part of the budget, but their objections were overruled. The situation worsened when ruling party members passed remarks against Hira, leading to chaos in the House. Amid the disorder, opposition members walked out and the ruling party passed the budget in their absence. Earlier, a surprising moment of silence fell during the House meeting when Congress Corporator Anupam Jain began praising the development works carried out by the BJP and the State Public Works Department Minister. Jain stated that the projects initiated by the Minister are clearly visible across the city, but no significant contributions from the Mayor, in terms of city development are evident.

 

He said former Mayors had all left memorable legacies through their initiatives, while the current Mayor has yet to make a notable impact. Hearing a Congress Corporator praised the State Minister while criticising the Mayor left BJP Corporators confused as how to respond and defend the Mayor. During the meeting, a number of Corporators from both the sides spoke at length on various issues. They also voiced concerns about civic problems prevailing in concerned wards. The meeting began with paying tributes to those killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Before discussions commenced, MLA representative Tahir Ali appealed to the House to pass a resolution urging the central government to intensify efforts against terrorism. He emphasised the need for unity in the fight against terror and suggested that India should consider reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a true tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack.