Ahead of the BMC Elections 2026, Mumbai Congress on Friday released a `chargesheet` against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, alleging large-scale corruption, administrative failure and financial irregularities in the functioning of the civic body.
Addressing the media, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad said the BMC, which is Asia’s largest municipal corporation, has been functioning without elected representatives for over three years, resulting in a lack of transparency and accountability.
Gaikwad said the chargesheet highlights alleged irregularities in civic works, tendering processes, and the use of public funds.
The former minister alleged that several key civic departments were operating without proper supervision, leading to delays in public projects, poor-quality infrastructure, and hardship for citizens.
She also accused the civic administration of favouring selected contractors and mismanaging funds meant for essential public services.
Poor civic amenities despite wealth
Despite being the richest municipal corporation in the country, the BMC has failed to provide basic amenities, Gaikwad claimed.
She said that in many parts of Mumbai, roads, water supply and drainage systems remain in poor condition. The Congress has demanded an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
`Brasht Mahayuti Corporation` remark
In the chargesheet, the Congress alleged that for three years and nine months, the Mahayuti government denied citizens their right to vote by delaying civic elections.
Listing 13 points, the party termed the BMC the “Brasht Mahayuti Corporation”, highlighting problems related to water supply, public transport, traffic congestion and civic mismanagement.
Gaikwad said that under administrator rule, Mumbai residents were “looted” as there were no elected representatives to raise public issues.
She said the Congress has consistently spoken out against bad roads, traffic chaos, air pollution and potholes, accusing the administration of damaging India’s financial capital and doing injustice to its people.
Congress poll strategy
Gaikwad said the Mumbai Congress will contest the upcoming civic elections on the agenda of development without creating unnecessary disputes.
She added that the party aims to be the voice of Mumbaikars seeking justice and progress, and will fight for development without divisions based on caste, religion, region or language.
Civic polls next month
The long-pending elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will be held on 15 January, with vote counting scheduled for 16 January.
(with PTI inputs)
