Jamshedpur: JD(U) MLA Saryu Roy on Monday accused Mango Municipal Corporation (MMC) of functioning like a “private limited company” controlled by a handful of people instead of serving residents as a civic body.Roy was addressing a protest organised by JD(U), with support from BJP, Lok Janshakti Party and Ajsu-P, against the corporation’s alleged anti-development policies and “authoritarian” functioning. He termed the working style of MMC officials “unsatisfactory”.Questioning the fate of 38 development schemes for which foundation stones were laid, Roy sought an explanation for the delay in their execution.He also claimed resentment was growing among elected councillors over the corporation’s functioning. Referring to reports that 20 councillors distanced themselves from mayor Sudha Gupta, Roy said their discontent reflected concerns over MMC’s leadership and administration.Roy said the dissatisfied councillors could support a no-confidence motion against the mayor, potentially leading to her removal. He, however, clarified that he had no intention of initiating such a move.The JD(U) leader said he had suggested to urban development minister Sudivya Kumar that MMC’s responsibilities be divided between two wings — one handling essential civic services and the other executing development projects. Such a division, he said, would improve governance and accountability.Gupta, who visited the protest site and greeted Roy, said public welfare projects would not be allowed to stop. She added that corruption and substandard work would not be tolerated and accountability would be enforced without discrimination.
