Durg, India: In a dramatic and unconventional protest, a municipal councillor in Bhilai has resorted to begging in public to draw attention to the severe financial crisis facing the Bhilai Municipal Corporation.
Santosh Maurya, councillor from Ward No. 15 (Sundar Nagar), staged a symbolic demonstration by sitting outside a Sai Temple for several hours, holding a bowl and asking devotees for alms. His act was meant to protest the corporation’s alleged inability to even afford diesel for its vehicles, which has disrupted basic civic services such as sanitation and official inspections.
As news of the councillor’s protest spread, a large crowd gathered at the temple. Many local residents, including women devotees, contributed money to Maurya’s bowl, expressing solidarity with his cause.
Speaking to the media, Maurya said the financial condition of the municipal corporation has deteriorated to such an extent that officials are unable to visit wards due to a lack of fuel for vehicles. “There isn’t enough money to refill diesel in municipal vehicles. As a result, development work and sanitation services are suffering badly,” he said.
He also pointed out that recently even the corporation’s hearses were taken off the road because of diesel shortages, causing serious inconvenience to citizens. According to Maurya, the situation improved only after public representatives raised the issue forcefully, prompting officials to arrange fuel temporarily.
“This is a symbolic protest,” Maurya explained. “If the corporation cannot arrange funds, I am collecting money through begging and will donate it to the Bhilai Municipal Corporation so they can at least refuel their vehicles and carry out development work.”
The councillor further warned that if the situation does not improve, he is prepared to go door-to-door seeking donations and submit the collected amount to the municipal commissioner, demanding immediate steps to address the fuel shortage.
The unusual protest has sparked debate in the city and raised serious questions about the financial management and preparedness of the Bhilai Municipal Corporation.