Patna: A board meeting of the Patna Municipal Corporation descended into chaos on Friday, as rival groups of councillors clashed physically and verbally over a contentious proposal, turning the civic body’s headquarters into what witnesses described as “a wrestling arena.”
The altercation erupted when a proposal backed by Mayor Sita Sahu’s faction was introduced without securing consensus. Opposition councillors began protesting vociferously, alleging procedural violations and questioning the haste with which the proposal was being pushed through. The disagreement quickly spiralled out of control, with councillors reportedly tearing each other’s kurtas in the scuffle.
Amid the uproar, the group opposed to the Mayor’s camp stormed out of the meeting, chanting slogans, followed by Corporation Commissioner Animesh Parashar and several other officials. The proceedings were adjourned midway as order could not be restored.
According to Corporation Commissioner Parashar, the proposal in question violated established procedures. “The rules prescribed for the approval process were not followed,” he said, adding that the matter should have undergone proper discussion before being tabled.
Opposition councillors alleged that the proposal sought to involve an agency already facing allegations of corruption in municipal work. “There was tremendous pressure to include this agency despite serious concerns,” one councillor said.
Mayor Sita Sahu condemned the disruption, expressing dismay at the scenes witnessed during the session. “Since 2017, I have been in charge, and nothing like this has happened before,” she said. “Unfortunately, the mismanagement and obstructive behaviour of some councillors are now clearly visible, even in important meetings.”
Following the incident, two councillors have been suspended in connection with the fracas. The meeting was attended by Mayor Sita Sahu, Deputy Mayor Rashmi Chandravanshi, Corporation Commissioner Animesh Parashar, and several other councillors.
