Basavakalyan
Sharp allegations of corruption and administrative neglect rocked the Basavakalyan Municipal Council as member Mallikarjuna Bokke accused officials of favoring only those who pay bribes to get their work done, while ignoring the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Speaking at a general meeting at the municipal hall near Narayanpura Cross, Bokke strongly criticized the functioning of the council, stating that corruption had become institutionalized. Only those who pay are getting their work approved. The rest are ignored. Even essential works are stalled, and the voices of marginalized communities are being silenced, he said.
Expressing anger over poor civic management, Bokke added, The officers and staff are not paying attention to the directions of the Vice President. The administration needs immediate reform. Drains in many streets remain clogged, and cleaning is not being carried out regularly. When we raise these issues during meetings, we are discouraged from speaking. Council member Ravindra Borole also voiced frustration, highlighting the poor condition of roads and delays in civic projects. People are cursing the administration because of potholes everywhere. Even though tenders have been invited, there is no clarity on why the work hasn’t started. The water supply project has several shortcomings that must be fixed, he said.
Both members urged the municipal authorities to take swift corrective measures to restore public trust. They emphasized that issues directly affecting citizens’ daily lives; such as road repairs, drainage, and water supply, should be given top priority over unrelated political matters. The meeting concluded with heated exchanges between council members, with residents present demanding visible action within the next few weeks.
