The West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department has issued a notice to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) regarding the resignation of Mayor Firhad Hakim. The notice requests an explanation within three days on why the current Trinamool Congress-run board should not be dissolved.
In the notice, the state government department has asked the KMC authorities, including the Chairperson, Municipal Commissioner, Secretary, and other senior officials, to provide a written reply within the stipulated time frame. The notice highlights the corporation’s failure to deliver civic services as one of the reasons for the action.
Amid legal disputes over the Trinamool Congress-controlled board’s continuity, the notice emphasizes the state government’s authority under Section 117(1) of the KMC Act, 1980, to dissolve the corporation following the Mayor’s resignation. However, conflicting views between KMC Chairperson Mala Roy and the state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department have led to uncertainty regarding the board’s future.
The ongoing debate revolves around Section 38 of the KMC Act, which allows the Deputy Mayor to assume the Mayor’s responsibilities in the absence of unforeseen circumstances. Mala Roy advocates for the current board’s continuation until a new Mayor is elected from existing councillors through a vote of confidence, ensuring uninterrupted municipal administration in Kolkata.
