Opposition Leader Lambasts AMC's Rs 18,518 Crore Budget as 'Election-Oriented'
In a scathing critique of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's (AMC) financial planning, Opposition leader Shehzad Khan Pathan has denounced the recently approved budget of Rs 18,518 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. Pathan labeled the budget as "election-oriented and full of false promises," arguing that it fails to address the city's deep-rooted civic problems despite massive allocations over the past decade.
Decade of Spending with Persistent Issues
Pathan highlighted that over the last ten years, AMC has approved a staggering total budget of Rs 91,412 crore. However, he pointed out that fundamental urban infrastructure issues remain unresolved. "Despite this enormous expenditure, problems like contaminated water supply, overflowing sewer systems, and broken roads continue to plague Ahmedabad," he stated emphatically.
The opposition leader made a striking comparison, suggesting that with proper utilization of these funds, Ahmedabad could have transformed into a world-class city. "If the Rs 91,412 crore had been spent efficiently and transparently over the past decade, Ahmedabad could have developed infrastructure comparable to global cities like Singapore," Pathan asserted.
Unfulfilled Promises and Administrative Failures
Pathan detailed several specific instances where he claims the ruling BJP administration in AMC has failed to deliver on its commitments:
- The renovation of VS Hospital remains incomplete
- Promised pink toilets for women were never constructed
- Specialized snorkels capable of reaching 100 meters were not installed as planned
- SVP Hospital was privatized against public expectations
- The Sabarmati river has become the second most polluted water body in India
"The approved budget and its various proposals are fundamentally misleading," Pathan charged. "BJP leaders in AMC have consistently failed to complete even the works approved in the current year. This pattern reveals their administrative incompetence and disregard for public welfare."
Visible Civic Neglect Across Wards
The opposition leader painted a grim picture of the city's current condition, noting that visible signs of municipal neglect are widespread. "In various wards across Ahmedabad, residents are confronted with heaps of uncollected garbage and accumulating filth. Complaints about polluted drinking water are increasing daily, creating serious public health concerns," he reported.
Pathan concluded that most promises made to Ahmedabad's citizens over recent years remain unfulfilled, casting doubt on the credibility of the new budget proposals. His criticism comes as AMC prepares for its next fiscal planning cycle, with the opposition demanding greater accountability and tangible results from municipal spending.
