The Mumbai Municipal Corporation is accused of disbursing development funds only to the MLAs belonging to the ruling BJP-Shinde Shiv Sena alliance, while MLAs belonging to the opposition alliance, representing the Uddhav Bal Thackeray Shiv Sena and Congress, are said to be neglected.
A report by The Indian Express highlights a stark disparity in infrastructure development in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. This divide is based on the political affiliations of the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing a specific constituency. Mumbai has experienced a two-year hiatus in civic elections, leaving the fate of neighbourhood development in limbo.
Official records obtained through the Right to Information Act by The Indian Express revealed that each of the 21 ruling alliance MLAs successfully secured funds, totalling Rs 500.58 crore, until December 2023. In contrast, not a single penny was disbursed to the 15 Opposition MLAs, even though 11 of them had formally requested funds for various development projects, ranging from drain repairs in Dharavi to park beautification in Sewri.
The report uncovered a striking pattern where the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's 21 MLAs secured substantial funds for civic works, while all 15 Opposition MLAs, representing the Uddhav Bal Thackeray Shiv Sena and Congress, were left empty-handed despite making requests.
The funds were allocated under a February 2023 policy allowing MLAs to seek financial support from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for development initiatives in their constituencies.
The TIE report highlighted the crucial role of Guardian Ministers in the fund allocation process. Under the BMC's special policy, Guardian Ministers have the authority to approve proposals from MLAs seeking funds for development work in their constituencies. However, the approval process seemed to be highly selective, with requests from ruling alliance MLAs cleared, while those from the Opposition remained pending.
The investigation revealed that letters from Opposition MLAs seeking funds were still awaiting clearance from Guardian Ministers, leaving vital civic projects in limbo. In contrast, the requests from ruling alliance MLAs were expedited, with some receiving approval within a week of submission.
The Guardian Ministers overseeing Mumbai, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and Deepak Kesarkar, played a pivotal role in green-lighting the fund requests. The investigation exposed instances where ruling alliance MLAs, including those from BJP and Shiv Sena, received quick approvals for substantial amounts, while Opposition MLAs were left waiting.
The policy shift in February 2023 empowered MLAs to access Rs 1,260 crore, around 2.5% of the BMC budget, for development works in their constituencies. However, the disbursement records revealed a clear bias, raising questions about the equitable distribution of civic resources, the TIE report said.
Opposition MLAs expressed frustration and alleged misuse of power, citing delays in receiving funds that were crucial for addressing basic civic necessities in their constituencies. Some Opposition representatives claimed that despite repeated assurances from Guardian Ministers, the funds never materialized, exacerbating the plight of their constituencies.
Guardian Minister Lodha, when questioned about the allegations, maintained that funds would be disbursed impartially, irrespective of political affiliation. However, Opposition MLAs contradicted these claims, asserting that the delay in fund disbursement was hindering essential civic projects.