Kanpur Municipal Corporation budget dispute sparks political row

A dispute has erupted within the Kanpur Municipal Corporation regarding the allocation of development funds. Rebel BJP councilors have accused the administration of significant bias, alleging that while approximately 594 crore rupees have been allocated for 765 development projects over the last three and a half years, the distribution is highly unequal.

According to lists released by the dissenting councilors, certain wards have received massive funding, such as Ward-62, where 14.41 crore rupees are proposed for councilor Bhawani Shankar Rai. Conversely, several other wards, including Wards 4, 10, 38, and 94, have reportedly been allocated zero budget. The councilors allege that funds are being disproportionately directed toward those close to influential individuals within the corporation.

In response to the controversy, tenders for development works worth approximately 125 crore rupees have been canceled, with a new tendering process scheduled for September 16.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has entered the fray, criticizing the Yogi government's handling of the matter. He used the phrase, “Namebadoo Mukhyamantri ji, Kanpur ka naam Commissionpur kar dijiye!” (Mr. Name-changing Chief Minister, please rename Kanpur to Commissionpur!), targeting the administration's perceived favoritism.