Kolkata, June 6: The West Bengal Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs issued a notice to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Saturday. The notice demands clarification within three days on why the current Trinamool Congress (TMC) board should not be dissolved following Mayor Firhad Hakim’s resignation.
The state government has requested a written response from the municipal administration within this timeframe. This notice was sent to KMC’s chairperson, municipal commissioner, corporation secretary, and other senior officials.
The notice states that the KMC has failed to provide the expected level of services to citizens, which is a significant reason for considering the dissolution of the board.
This notice comes amid a legal dispute arising from Mayor Firhad Hakim’s official resignation on Friday. Disagreements have emerged between KMC Chairperson Mala Roy and the state’s Urban Development Department regarding the future of the current TMC-led board.
The state government argues that under Section 117(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act of 1980, it has the authority to dissolve the municipal board. The department contends that the current board’s tenure should be considered automatically terminated following the mayor’s resignation.
However, KMC Chairperson Mala Roy dismissed this argument, asserting that under Section 38, the Deputy Mayor can fulfill the mayor’s responsibilities in case of absence or unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, the current board can complete its term.
Mala Roy also mentioned that until a new mayor is elected through a vote of confidence among the existing councilors, the Deputy Mayor can exercise the mayor’s powers according to the provisions of Section 28. Currently, Atin Ghosh serves as the Deputy Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
An official from the Urban Development Department stated that while Section 117(1) grants the state government the power to dissolve the municipal board, it is legally necessary to provide the municipal administration an opportunity to present its case. Hence, this notice was issued.
The official added that the state government will make further decisions in this matter only after receiving a response from the KMC.
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