Nagpur: Leader of opposition in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Sanjay Mahakalkar has accused the civic body of politicising the city’s famous Marbat Festival. He questioned the ₹2 crore expenditure on the event, at a time when roads remain riddled with potholes and several civic projects are pending.Addressing the media on Tuesday, Mahakalkar alleged that taxpayers’ money was being used for publicity and political promotion. He questioned the need for such spending when basic civic issues remain unresolved.Mahakalkar submitted a letter to the NMC deputy commissioner of the sports department seeking details of the ₹2 crore provision made in the standing committee budget for Marbat Mahotsav-2026. He has sought, within three days, a written account of expenditure on each activity, including the nature of work, amount spent, and mode of payment.He also sought details of expenditure on advertisements, stage arrangements, cultural programmes, logistics, and other activities.“Instead of restoring roads and addressing citizens’ basic problems, the civic administration is spending crores on festivals. Citizens have the right to know how their money is being spent,” Mahakalkar said.He alleged that T-shirts were initially sold and later distributed free of cost as part of an alleged BJP promotion exercise. He sought details of who authorised the move and whether civic funds were used for political purposes.Mahakalkar also questioned the standing committee’s role in approving the budget provision and alleged a lack of coordination in organising the festival.He also flagged pending works under the zonal budget, alleging that civic priorities were being overlooked.
