Howrah/Durgapur: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday announced that elections to the Howrah, Bally and Durgapur civic bodies are likely to be held after the pujas, while promising a crackdown on alleged corruption and administrative irregularities in the municipalities.Speaking after review meetings in Howrah and Durgapur, Adhikari said the govt would request the state Election Commission to conduct the polls after Durga Puja or Kali Puja. He also confirmed that the delimitation of municipal wards would be completed before the elections.“We are a political party that believes in democracy. We believe that people can only enjoy proper services through elections and public participation in the municipality. If everything goes well, elections will be held in Howrah and Bali by December,” Adhikari said.The last election to the Howrah Municipality was held in 2013 and the board’s tenure ended in 2018. Since then, civic affairs have been run by an administrative committee amid repeated complaints over poor services and alleged corruption.In Durgapur, where municipal elections have been pending since 2022, Adhikari dissolved the existing administrative board during a meeting with the West Burdwan district administration and appointed district magistrate S Punyabalam as administrator.Addressing reporters in Howrah, the CM said corruption allegations in the municipalities would be investigated. “There are 1,700 temporary workers in the Howrah Municipality, out of which 500 receive salaries without doing any work. This will also be investigated,” he said.He further warned that illegal constructions, encroachment on water bodies and other alleged corrupt activities would face scrutiny. “We will request the state Election Commission to hold the elections after Durga Puja or Kali Puja. However, during this time, state minister Agnimitra Paul will ensure that you receive all services. No work will be halted,” he said.
