Rajkot, Gujarat | June 29:
A massive demolition drive carried out by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has triggered a political storm after official records revealed that nearly ₹46.31 lakh was spent on food, refreshments, drinking water and logistical arrangements during the three-day operation.
The civic body demolished around 1,400 alleged illegal structures in the Jangleshwar area, deploying more than 4,800 personnel, including police and municipal officials. Documents submitted before the corporation show that ₹27.2 lakh was spent on tea, snacks and meals, ₹12.4 lakh on bottled drinking water and ₹6.7 lakh on tent and logistical services.
The expenditure has now come under scrutiny, with the Standing Committee withholding approval of the main food bill and seeking written explanations from officials regarding the high spending.
The opposition Congress launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led administration, alleging gross misuse of taxpayers' money. The party claimed the demolition operation was conducted "like a picnic" while hundreds of families were left homeless, demanding accountability and strict action against those responsible for approving the expenditure.
Municipal authorities, however, defended the demolition drive, stating it was carried out under the directions of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi to remove encroachments, reclaim public land and reduce flood risks in the area.
With questions mounting over the expenditure and the Standing Committee seeking answers, the controversy is expected to intensify in the coming days.
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