Ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 15, a chorus of allegations regarding the blatant misuse of civic funds and administrative bias has emerged from Opposition legislators across Mumbai. Multiple Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), and Members of Parliament (MPs) have accused the ruling Mahayuti alliance of systematically blocking their development proposals, depriving their constituencies of essential amenities.
A Unified Cry of Neglect and Injustice
The Indian Express spoke to nine elected representatives from the Opposition, including from the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and Samajwadi Party, who presented a consistent narrative of stalled files and ignored appeals. Their proposals, encompassing fundamental civic works like road maintenance, drainage upgrades, public toilet repairs, waste collection points, and benches for senior citizens, have reportedly been gathering dust at the BMC despite repeated follow-ups.
These legislators claim to have exhausted all official channels, from submitting written reminders and making personal visits to ward offices to directly appealing to the ruling alliance's Guardian Ministers, who hold the authority to release the local area development funds. The unanimous assertion is that their political affiliation has become the sole criterion for fund allocation, overriding the genuine needs of their constituents.
Constituency Woes: From Landslide Threats to Broken Toilets
The allegations are not about grand projects but basic urban infrastructure critical for daily life. Sunil Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Bhandup West, highlighted the perilous condition in landslide-prone areas of Bhandup and Vikhroli. "During the monsoon, residents send me photos and videos of mud slipping from slopes. Not a single rupee was sanctioned for boundary walls or slope-protection work," he stated, emphasizing that such delays risk public safety.
In Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad pointed to the urgent need for toilet repairs and upgraded internal lanes. "I wrote at least six letters seeking funds since last December, all were ignored. Not one of them was even acknowledged," she lamented, describing how dense living conditions make these basic works non-negotiable.
Similar stories echo from other corners of the city. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu from Dindoshi revealed that not one of his proposals for drain repairs and road resurfacing was approved in nearly two-and-a-half years. He alleged being told to join the ruling party to access funds. Abu Asim Azmi, SP MLA from Shivaji Nagar-Mankhurd, claimed he showed the dilapidated condition of internal roads in his slum belt to Guardian Ministers and even Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, but to no avail, citing "rampant bias."
Systemic Blockade: Files That Never Move
The frustration extends to the upper echelons of the legislature as well. Parliamentarians from the Opposition recounted identical experiences. Varsha Gaikwad, Congress MP from North Central Mumbai, stated, "MPs from the ruling alliance received crores before the Lok Sabha polls, but the files did not even move for the Opposition." Sanjay Dina Patil, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from North East Mumbai, said his inquiries were met with empty promises that someone would get back, which never happened.
The claims gain further weight against the backdrop of an investigation that revealed an overwhelming disparity in fund distribution. Reports indicate that over the past three years, a staggering 99% of Mumbai's civic development funds were directed to wards represented by the ruling Mahayuti alliance. This lopsided allocation, just weeks before the BMC polls, has ignited a fierce political debate about the ethical use of administrative machinery and the denial of equitable development to citizens based on their electoral choices.
The allegations paint a picture of a deeply politicized civic administration where the approval of basic amenities is contingent on political loyalty. As Mumbai prepares to vote, the issue of development funds and alleged bias is set to be a central plank in the Opposition's campaign, framing the election as a battle for fair representation and the right to equal public services for every Mumbaikar, regardless of who they elect.
