Economic Survey calls BMC transparent

Mumbai: The Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose principal campaign plank for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Council (BMC) elections is transparency, has been embarrassed by the Economic Survey of 2016-17.

The survey chart on transparency, accountability and participation, which was published on Tuesday, named the BMC the most transparent municipality in the country. The BJP has been trying to corner the Shiv Sena over alleged corruption and lack of transparency in the civic body. But the economic survey’s findings have delighted the Shiv Sena ahead of elections.

The survey has shown BMC and Hyderabad municipality as the bodies that are faring the best on these three fronts. Both cities have won 8 out of 8 rankings for all these criteria. After parting ways with Sena, BJP had blamed its partner for lacking commitment about transparency. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is the BJP’s face for the state’s civic bodies elections, had alleged that his party was ready to compromise on the number of seats but not on transparency.

“We are demanding transparency in the BMC’s functioning. What is wrong in this? But Shiv Sena wants to hide something, therefore, it refused our demand,” Mr Fadnavis had alleged in a party rally in NEC, Goregaon. It was clear from Mr Fadnavis’ statement that BJP was planning to attack the BMC on transparency. Party leaders like Kirit Somaiya and BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar had been alleging Sena was involved in corruption in the BMC.

Reacting to the survey, Shiv Sena grabbed the opportunity to attack the BJP. “Fake campaigns and false charges never sustain for long. The BJP has fallen flat on its face,” said Sena leader Anil Parab. However, Mr Shelar claimed that survey is limited to few issues. “Shiv Sena’s euphoric reaction is nothing but childish. It is not dealing with the entire administration of BMC. Only four issues have been inspected. Those trying to claim victory should read it completely,” he said.