BHILAI BJP in-charge Ramji Bharti on Monday addressed a press conference and raised serious concerns over alleged corruption and administrative irregularities in the Bhilai Municipal Corporation (BMC). He demanded that the SDM constitute an independent inquiry committee to investigate complaints related to development works and financial management in the civic body. Speaking to the media, Bharti said that despite repeated complaints by corporators, no effective action had been taken so far. He alleged that the Congressruled municipal administration was ignoring public representatives and allowing large-scale irregularities in works such as paver block installation, sanitation contracts, SLRM centres and other civic projects. According to him, files related to several works were not being provided under the Right to Information Act, which raises doubts about transparency.

 

Leader of Opposition in the corporation Bhojraj Sinha said that during the last four years many projects were executed without consulting local corporators. He claimed that tenders were issued without specifying locations and measurements, leading to misuse of funds. He also alleged that works were inaugurated in BJP-ruled wards without informing elected representatives and that quality standards were being openly violated. Several women corporators also expressed their grievances at the press meet. They said that basic issues like water supply, street lighting and sanitation were being neglected. One corporator alleged that even cremation facilities were affected and wood meant for poor families had disappeared from cremation grounds, showing the level of mismanagement.

 

Responding to questions about why corruption was continuing despite BJP being in power in the state, Bharti clarified that the municipal corporation was still governed by the Congress and decisions were being taken at the local level. He asserted that the state’s BJP government follows a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and those found guilty would face strict legal action, including recovery of public money and possible jail terms. The BJP leaders announced that they would continue their struggle until an impartial investigation was conducted.