Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and MLA from Bhiwandi East, Rais Shaikh, wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, December 29, arguing for him to conduct Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections before March 7, 2025. The letter also addresses Deputy CM and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde.
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Shaikh said that the team of BMC ended on March 7, 2022, and the current administrator is set to complete three years in office by March 7, 2025. He was concerned over the administration of the civic body. Shaikh stated that the absence of elected officials is causing neglect of citizens' issues and leading to mismanagement of taxpayer money.
“It is not a matter of pride for democracy to run the country's financial capital for an extended period without elected representatives,” he said. The SP leader also pointed out the pending Rs 8,000 crore in funds from the Central government under the 15th Finance Commission, which has been delayed due to the absence of a functioning municipal government.