A statement by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan regarding the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) arranging Mahaprasad (free food distribution) on the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi sparked controversy during the BCC general council meeting on Monday.
Ruling party members demanded that the DC issue a public apology for making such an announcement without consulting BCC authorities. Senior corporator and advocate Hanumant Kongali alleged that the pre-Ganeshotsav meeting was held bypassing the mayor, deputy mayor, and elected members. He said the district administration had undermined BCC’s role despite the corporation having its own funds for Ganesh festival arrangements. Calling the DC’s statement “misleading” and “a violation of procedure,” he demanded an open apology.
Corporators Ramesh Sontakki, Girish Nashipudi, Ravi Dhotre, and Shankar Patil added that routine surveys on road repairs, tree pruning, and power line checks, usually conducted before the festival, had been skipped this year. They announced plans to submit a memorandum to the chief minister, governor, and urban development authorities, seeking action against the DC. Corporation commissioner Shubha B assured that she would consult corporators before attending district-level meetings.
Meanwhile, opposition members raised objections to the steep cess imposed on street vendors. Opposition leader Muzamil Doni said charges were arbitrary and unscientific, citing the example of tender coconut sellers being asked to pay ₹100 daily out of a meagre income of ₹400. He argued it was unfair when BCC collected ₹3,000 monthly from rented buildings, demanding immediate correction and an end to harassment of vendors.
Revenue commissioner Reshma Talikote denied any oppression of vendors, stating action would be taken if irregularities were found. Mayor Mangesh Pawar and Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi were present during the meeting.
