MUMBAI: A recent investigation by the Indian Express has brought to light a concerning imbalance in infrastructure development within Mumbai, as funds from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appear to be disproportionately directed towards MLAs of the ruling BJP-Eknath Shinde Shiv Sena coalition.
According to the report, a significant disparity in fund allocation emerged from a February 2023 policy that allowed MLAs to request BMC funds for local projects. Between February and December 2023, an amount exceeding ₹500 crore was disbursed, and remarkably, the entire sum was allocated to MLAs from the BJP-Shinde coalition.
Records indicate that out of the 21 ruling coalition MLAs, all successfully secured funds up to December 2023. In stark contrast, the 15 opposition MLAs, despite submitting 11 requests, did not receive any funds. This financial distribution is a fraction of the BMC's substantial ₹52,619-crore budget, intended for various development tasks ranging from drain repairs in Dharavi to park beautification in Sewri.
The BMC, which is typically managed by 227 elected corporators, currently operates without an elected body. Under this framework, Guardian Ministers authorize fund disbursements for MLAs' projects. While ruling party MLAs reportedly obtained swift approvals, the opposition faced obstacles, as detailed in the publication.
Guardian Minister Lodha, however, has emphasized a non-partisan approach to fund allocation. According to him, there are no pending requests from opposition MLAs. Lodha stated, "At present, I don’t have any pending letters in my possession from the Opposition MLAs. We are disbursing the funds in a liberal manner by assessing the merit of the proposals, which we are receiving, and there is no favoritism being done towards anybody," as reported by the publication.
This revelation has sparked concerns about transparency and equity in the distribution of crucial development funds, prompting further scrutiny from both the public and political spheres.