Uncertainty in BMC as 3 Cong corporators resign

Sparking speculation of a possible power shift 

A political upheaval is brewing in the Bhilai Municipal Corporation, where three Congress corporators have resigned, sparking speculation of a possible power shift. The ward corporators, Hariom Tiwari from Ward 3, Ravi Kurrey from Ward 6, and Ranu Sahu from Ward 9, have submitted their resignations to the president of Durg District Congress Committee, Mukesh Chandrakar. The resignations have created a stir in the Congress-majority’s BMC, with reports suggesting that the opposition BJP is actively reaching out to disgruntled Congress members. The three corporators cited neglect and lack of development in their wards as reasons for their resignation.

Two of the corporators were initially independents before joining the Congress, and they have reportedly accused the city administration of ignoring their concerns. Efforts to contact the corporators have been unsuccessful as they have switched off their phones, adding to the uncertainty. Mayor Neeraj Pal attempted to persuade the corporators to reconsider, but they remained firm in their decision.

The resignations have shaken the city administration, and there are rumors that more corporators may follow suit. Currently, the BMC has 70 wards, with 36 corporators needed for a majority. The Congress, along with independent members, initially held 46 seats, but this number has dropped to 44 following the disqualification of two members, Engineer Salman and Nitesh Yadav. The BJP, which holds 24 seats, has reportedly gained the support of four independents in the recent general assembly, bringing their total to 28.

If the three resigned Congress corporators align with the BJP, the opposition’s numbers could rise to 31, while the Congress’s strength would fall to 37. This shift could lead to a no-confidence motion against the mayor, and the BJP would need to secure the support of 10 more corporators or rely on cross-voting to topple the city government. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of a major political shift in Bhilai.