A woman councillor supported by the BJP allegedly threw a slipper at Merta municipality chairman Gautam Tak during a meeting of the municipal body in Rajasthan’s Nagaur on Thursday, officials said. Another BJP councillor allegedly threw a garland at the municipal chairman during the meeting, they said.
The meeting was called to pass the 2024-25 budget and other development works for the city. Independent councillor Shobha Lahoti, who is supported by the BJP, allegedly threw slippers at the municipal chairman during the meeting attended by BJP MLA Laxman Ram.
Tak said the disruption was created to stall the city’s budget. He stated, A case has been registered against both the councillors at Merta City Police Station. The meeting will be called again after seven days.
Merta City police station officer Pramod Kumar Sharma confirmed that a case has been registered against both the councillors. A case has also been registered against the chairman on the complaint of the woman councillor, he said.
The incident has raised concerns over the conduct of elected officials and the need for decorum during public meetings. The BJP, which supports Lahoti, has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Local residents expressed disappointment and called for a more mature approach to governance. One citizen, Ramesh Choudhary, stated, It is disheartening to see our elected representatives engaging in such behavior. We expect them to work together for the betterment of our city.
The incident comes at a time when municipality bodies across the country are facing increasing challenges due to limited funding and the need for effective implementation of development projects. Such disruptions hinder progress and delay crucial decisions that impact the lives of citizens.
In an effort to ensure transparency and accountability, it is essential for elected representatives to prioritize the interests of the public and work collaboratively towards the development of their respective regions. Instances like these do not instill confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of the democratic process.
The police investigation will shed light on the sequence of events and determine appropriate legal action. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for elected officials to uphold the dignity of their positions and conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, citizens of Merta eagerly await the rescheduled meeting, hoping that it will provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue and productive decision-making for the betterment of their city. The incident serves as a reminder that the focus should always be on serving the public and working towards the common good.
