Allegations of housing scheme scam in Left-led Siliguri Municipal Corporation, TMC demands resignation of mayor

Allegations of scam in ‘Housing for All’ scheme and LED installation have emerged against the Left-led Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Trinamool corporators sat in a demonstration in front of the mayor’s office, demanding his resignation. The TMC has accused misappropriation of funds by the Left-run SMC. According to Ranjan Sarkar, a TMC councilor, the state government had sanctioned funds for 2,900 beneficiaries in SMC, but the Left-run SMC added additional names in the list.

As per reports, allegations are made against SMC for preparing a ‘defective’ list of around 1,287 beneficiaries for whom a sum of Rs. 6.94 crore was allotted under the ‘Housing for All’ scheme. This brought the TMC, Congress and the BJP which are in the opposition in the SMC together and informal talks are reportedly on to table a no-confidence motion against the Left.

On Tuesday, about 100-odd TMC supporters led by Ranjan Sarkar reached the civic body, demanding resignation of mayor Asok Bhattacharya accusing the board of having indulged in corruption. TMC has also accused the board of having indulged in malpractices in the installation of LED lights in the town.

OpIndia Staff: Staff reporter at OpIndia