“Municipal administration must be transparent,” CM tells mayor

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Newly elected BJP mayor Sameer Rajurkar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday night. During the meeting, the CM delivered a clear and firm message, the functioning of the municipal corporation must be completely transparent, and its current image must change in the coming days.

The mayor assured the CM that he would make “100 percent efforts” to fulfill these expectations.

For the first time in the history of the municipal corporation, the BJP has secured numbers close to a majority. With the support of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, the BJP has formed the ruling alliance. Soon after the mayor and deputy mayor elections concluded on Tuesday afternoon, senior BJP leaders accompanied Rajurkar to Mumbai to meet the Chief Minister.

The CM expressed satisfaction over the mandate given by voters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to the BJP. Welcoming the new mayor, he conveyed his expectations in a single, pointed message: “I want the municipal corporation’s administration to be clean and transparent. Change its image.”

Rajurkar responded by assuring full commitment toward achieving that goal.

Corruption allegations tarnish civic body’s image

The municipal corporation has long been plagued by allegations of corruption. Critics say political elements have, over the years, nurtured and enabled these practices, leading to a damaged reputation across the state.

It is often alleged that after government funds are sanctioned, contractors with political backing secure projects, while the quality of development works suffers. Little political initiative has been taken to strengthen the corporation’s financial resources or improve governance mechanisms.

Senior officers reluctant to join

The civic body’s poor image has reportedly made senior officials hesitant to take up key posts such as municipal commissioner and other high-ranking positions. There is a widespread perception that working alongside political leadership in the corporation is challenging.

Even when officers take charge, many are unable to continue for long and are transferred within months.