Opposition boycotts Kalaburagi City Corporation meeting

Dramatic scenes unfolded at the general body meeting of the Kalaburagi City Corporation on February 18 after Opposition BJP councillors boycotted the proceedings over delay and alleged administrative failures.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the Town Hall. However, as the session failed to commence even after 12 noon and quorum was not met initially, BJP members expressed strong displeasure, alleging that the ruling party lacked seriousness in addressing civic issues. They staged a walkout and held a dharna at the entrance of the hall, disrupting the proceedings and creating tense scenes at the venue.

Despite the protest, 22 councillors, including 21 from the Congress and one from the Janata Dal (Secular), attended the meeting. Mayor Varsha Jane and City Corporation Commissioner Avinash Shinde attempted to persuade the agitating BJP members to participate in the session. However, their efforts proved futile as the Opposition members refused to return to the hall.

In a symbolic act of protest, BJP councillor Vishal Dhargi walked into the meeting hall carrying a chair, remarking that they had “brought their own chairs”, in a pointed reference to the reported seizure of furniture and equipment in certain sections of the corporation office building.

Opposition members alleged that, following court orders in connection with pending land acquisition compensation cases, office assets including computers and chairs had been seized due to the corporation’s failure to pay over ₹300 crore in compensation. They claimed that the seizures had severely affected administrative functioning and public services.

The protesting members also criticised the Corporation officials for their alleged failure to ensure adequate drinking water supply to the city and accused the administration of neglecting pressing civic issues.

Leader of the Opposition Shobha Desai, along with several BJP councillors, participated in the protest.