Mumbai Civic Crisis – Thackeray Sena Targets BMC Over Monsoon Failures
Mumbai Civic Crisis – The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Saturday alleged that Mumbai’s civic administration has been weakened by corruption and poor oversight, following major disruption during the first spells of monsoon rain. In an editorial published in Saamana, the party said failures in basic municipal services had exposed serious gaps in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s preparedness.
The editorial linked the recent rain-related disruption to two deaths reported in different parts of the city. In Chembur, a schoolboy died after a tree reportedly fell on a school bus. In Sakinaka, a 60-year-old man died after falling into an open manhole that was allegedly left without proper protection.
Civic Safety Concerns After Fatal Incidents
The Thackeray-led faction said public anger was growing over the incidents and called for accountability beyond administrative action against BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. The editorial claimed that people were demanding criminal cases against those responsible for managing the civic body, including action under culpable homicide provisions where negligence is established.
It also argued that the incidents had renewed discussion around the role of elected representatives in monitoring civic works. According to the party, local corporators played a stronger supervisory role during the previous Shiv Sena-led BMC administration and regularly raised issues affecting roads, drainage, trees and public safety.
Allegations of Contractor Irregularities
The editorial alleged that the current system has allowed contractors and middlemen to gain excessive influence over civic projects. It claimed that the absence of elected corporators has reduced local scrutiny and created room for irregularities in the execution of municipal work.
The party also targeted the BJP-led ruling alliance, accusing it of failing to ensure transparency in infrastructure contracts and civic maintenance. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the editorial did not provide documentary evidence to support its claims regarding commissions or contractor payments.
Dispute Within the Ruling Alliance
The article referred to comments made by Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who reportedly sought the resignation of Commissioner Bhide after the recent civic failures. The Thackeray faction described the demand as politically inconsistent, noting that the Urban Development Department is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The editorial said responsibility for civic failures could not be placed solely on the municipal commissioner. It argued that elected leaders, contractors and departments involved in urban development must also be examined when serious lapses lead to loss of life.
Pre-Monsoon Work Under Question
The BMC’s pre-monsoon preparations have become a central point of criticism. The Thackeray faction alleged that drain cleaning, road repairs and trimming of dangerous tree branches were not completed effectively before the rains began. Heavy showers reportedly led to waterlogging, fallen trees, traffic congestion and complaints about potholes in several parts of Mumbai.
The editorial also questioned a previous statement by Mayor Ritu Tawde that 104 per cent of drain desilting work had been completed. It said the figure had drawn criticism from residents and political opponents, who questioned how the completion level could exceed 100 per cent.
Focus on Accountability and Public Safety
Commissioner Bhide, often referred to as Mumbai’s Metro Woman for her work on underground metro projects, has faced criticism over the BMC’s handling of potholes, drainage and monsoon-related civic issues. The editorial said she had directed police to register cases against contractors found negligent in connection with the fatal incidents.
The allegations and counterclaims are likely to intensify as Mumbai experiences more monsoon rain. The focus is expected to remain on whether civic agencies can improve safety measures, complete pending maintenance work and prevent further accidents in the coming weeks.