Congress Corporators Stage Walkout Over Bhopal Slaughterhouse Row
Congress corporators staged a dramatic walkout during the Bhopal Municipal Corporation council meeting on Tuesday. They accused the mayor-in-council of serious negligence in handling the ongoing slaughterhouse controversy. The meeting turned chaotic and charged as both BJP and Congress members demanded strict action and accountability from the municipal corporation.
Opposition Leader Highlights Unfulfilled Proposals
Leader of opposition Sabista Zaki presented a strong argument during the heated session. She pointed out that slaughterhouse proposals passed in 2024 and 2025 under Mayor Malti Rai's administration were never implemented. Zaki insisted this made the mayor-in-council equally responsible for the current situation.
Mayor Defends Council Decisions
Mayor Malti Rai responded directly to criticism against the mayor-in-council. She clarified that the abattoir project had already reached completion when it came before the MIC for consideration. Rai emphasized the council's decision was not about sanctioning new construction but about permitting an already finished facility to begin operations.
"Had the MiC withheld approval, it could have been alleged that the council deliberately blocked services despite the project being finished," the mayor explained during the meeting.
Congress Corporator Raises Cost and Procedural Concerns
Congress corporator Guddu Chouhan brought attention to specific details about the controversial facility. He noted the modern abattoir at Jehangirabad was built at a cost of Rs 20 crore under public-private partnership mode. Chouhan highlighted that according to rules, projects under Rs 20 crore do not require council sanction.
The corporator raised serious questions about procedural lapses. He pointed out that two previous BMC councils had rejected proposals to start a slaughterhouse within city limits. Yet the current council approved its operation, creating what he called a clear case of political accountability.
Council Chairman Takes Decisive Action
BMC council chairman Kishan Suryavanshi eventually imposed significant measures to address the controversy. He announced a complete ban on reopening the city slaughterhouse at the center of the dispute. Suryavanshi also ordered the permanent closure of the facility.
The chairman revealed that the contracting agency, operated by Aslam Qureshi who faces police action, has been blacklisted. Alongside this decision, authorities suspended a doctor and eleven employees pending further inquiry.
Meeting Addresses Multiple Concerns
The council meeting, scheduled for 11:30 AM but starting an hour late, covered several related issues. Independent corporators Pappu Vilas and Surendra Badika raised concerns about cow slaughter during the session.
MIC member RP Singh Baghel informed the house about current developments. He stated the slaughterhouse operator was already in jail and further action awaited the police report. Baghel added that divisional commissioner Sanjeev Singh had suspended the veterinary doctor involved.
Corporators from both major political parties demanded accountability from additional officials beyond those already facing action.
Mayor Lists Council Achievements
Concluding the turbulent session, Mayor Malti Rai presented the council's accomplishments since its formation in August 2022. She highlighted several improvements including:
- Enhanced sanitation services across the city
- Allocation of ward development funds
- Improved property and education tax collection
- Drainage construction projects
- Expanded household water supply
The mayor criticized opposition members for ignoring public welfare proposals. She specifically mentioned individual water connections, claiming resistance occurred because free water in their constituencies would end once meters were installed.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation council meeting revealed deep divisions over the slaughterhouse issue. It highlighted ongoing tensions between ruling and opposition parties regarding municipal governance and development projects.
