Belagavi
The statement made by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan regarding arranging Mahaprasad (free food distribution) by Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) on the last day of the Ganesh festival sparked a heated debate during the BCC general council body meeting. Members of the ruling group demanded a public apology from the Deputy Commissioner, criticizing him for making such an announcement without consulting the BCC authorities.
In another intense discussion, opposition members strongly condemned the steep cess charges being levied on roadside vendors. The meeting largely revolved around preliminary preparations for the upcoming Ganesh festival. Senior member and advocate Hanumant Kongali raised the issue, alleging that the pre-Ganeshotsav meeting was conducted without involving BCC officials and elected representatives. He accused the district administration of disregarding the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and corporators.
Kongali further stated that BCC allocates separate funds for Ganesh Chaturthi preparations, yet the district administration is trying to claim credit. He argued that no expenditure can be carried out without budget approval by the elected body. Calling the Deputy Commissioner’s announcement a violation of law, Kongali alleged that the public had been misled and demanded that the DC issue an open apology.
Corporators Ramesh Sontakki, Girish Nashipudi, Ravi Dhotre, and Shankar Patil highlighted that every year, a city-wide survey is undertaken during the Ganesh festival to inspect road repairs, pruning of trees, and safe installation of electricity wires, but this practice has stopped this year. They further announced that a delegation will be taken to the Chief Minister and Governor to demand action against the Deputy Commissioner.
Corporation Commissioner B. Shubha assured that she would consult the corporators before attending any district administration meetings. Mayor Mangesh Pawar and Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi were also present at the session.
