Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Following the municipal corporation elections in which 115 corporators were elected, opposition parties have filed complaints against 18 newly-elected corporators, even as the winners were still busy receiving congratulations. The majority of complaints have been lodged against MIM corporators.
The complaints include issues such as having more than three children, false affidavits, unauthorised construction, encroachment, and fake caste certificates. The civic administration is conducting a detailed investigation into each of these complaints. If the allegations are found to be true, the concerned corporators may face disqualification proceedings.
The municipal corporation elections were held on January 15, with results announced the following day (January 16). Opposition parties began collecting information on the newly elected corporators immediately after the results. In one incident, an opposition worker collecting such information was reportedly assaulted near Beed Bypass, though a later reconciliation took place between corporators and opposition members.
Typically, political parties verify details such as caste certificates, number of children, and property ownership before nominating candidates. However, in this election, at least one political party did not conduct a thorough background check, and the consequences are now becoming evident.
By Tuesday, a total of 18 complaints had been filed with the municipal corporation election branch. Each complaint will be investigated in detail, and the inquiry report will be submitted to the municipal commissioner, who will then make the final decision. Officials noted that this is the first time in the corporation’s history that newly-elected corporators have faced such a large number of complaints. In comparison, in 2016, only a by-election in the Buddi Lane ward required follow-up action.
Disqualification proceedings if allegations are found true
Municipal Commissioner G Sreekanth said, “The complaints will be scrutinised carefully. Under Sections 10 and 12, if a corporator is found guilty of any violations, disqualification proceedings will be initiated. The complaints include corporators having more than three children, unauthorised construction, encroachment, concealment of property in affidavits, and false information.”
Box
Description of complaints
More than three children – 3 complaints
Encroachment / unauthorised constructions – 11 complaints
Violation of code of conduct / false documents – 2 complaints
Other complaints – 2 complaints